Onchodystrophy in GSD

RE: Onchodystrophy in GSD

Liz Barton — Mon, 14 May 2018 12:12:25 GMT

http://www.nevetdermatology.com/symmetric-lupoid-onychodystrophy-in-dogs/

"Symmetric Lupoid Onychodystrophy Diagnosis

An initial diagnostic test that is commonly performed by the veterinarian is cytology to look for infection. If bacterial or yeast infections are identified, they are treated first. If symptoms persist, biopsies may performed, as histopathology is used to confirm a clinical diagnosis of SLO. Bacterial and fungal cultures may also recommended... Optimal biopsy specimens are obtained by a P3 digit amputation (the distal aspect of a phalanx). The dewclaw is the preferred site. Sloughed claws do not usually contain the claw bed, the location needed for the diagnosis.

Symmetric Lupoid Onychodystrophy Treatment

Treatment is usually very safe, but takes several months to appreciate a response to therapy due to the slow growth of a claw in the dog. Expect treatment to be life-long. If treatment is discontinued, the dog will have recurrence. Tetracycline or doxycycline with niacinamide is one option. Supplemental omega 3 (and omega 6) fatty acids are usually a cornerstone of treatment. Biotin may be given orally with meals for nail strengthening properties.... More aggressive treatments with glucocorticoids, azathioprine, cyclosporine or onychectomy are rarely prescribed."

[quote user="Liz Barton"]high dose vitamin E[/quote]

Brain fart - I meant Omega 3, not Vitamin E (they do rhyme!)

RE: Onchodystrophy in GSD

David Mills — Sun, 13 May 2018 19:34:00 GMT

Preds and oxytet

RE: Onchodystrophy in GSD

Thomas Johnson — Sun, 13 May 2018 08:53:12 GMT

[quote user="Beats"]If not "treated", the majority seem to resolve / go chronic and stop causing the patient discomfort given long enough in my limited experience.[/quote]

I diagnosed one on biopsy last year after it kept breaking claws and was often painful. The owners haven't kept up treatment and I saw it back for something else last week and all its claws are very short and look in very poor condition, but don't seem to be causing it any problems.

RE: Onchodystrophy in GSD

Beats — Sun, 13 May 2018 08:09:42 GMT

[quote user="Liz Barton"] then a few weeks of waiting while the nails grow back[/quote]

You can just "declaw" them so the nails don't grow back. Not a lot of fun I'll admit, but no medicating / bathing / further problems once all healed up.

If not "treated", the majority seem to resolve / go chronic and stop causing the patient discomfort given long enough in my limited experience.

RE: Onchodystrophy in GSD

Liz Barton — Sun, 13 May 2018 00:33:11 GMT

What do the nails look like? I'm assuming pretty poor growth? I've seen these treated a few times by our visiting dermatologist with removal of all affected nails and high dose vitamin E. Obviously quite a horrid process under GA, sore quicks afterwards, then a few weeks of waiting while the nails grow back hopefully much better. If it's a difficult owner may be best to leave that one to the derm specialist!

RE: Onchodystrophy in GSD

Rob Loxley — Sat, 12 May 2018 12:25:32 GMT

[quote user="Martin Atkinson"]I know the answer is to remove a nail for histology/culture but anyone got any other thoughts on this[/quote]

There is a technique described for onychobiopsy without onychectomy. However in your case with owner reluctance for any biopsies I'd go for some trial treatment - usually niacinamide & oxytetracycline.