Brittle claws

Re: Brittle claws

Robin Grimmer — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:08:49 GMT

[quote user="Louise Alexander"]

So sorry I'm slow with reply! Here is the advice I got from dermatologist

generally there are not many other conditions that affected all nails in this way so SLO is the most likely diagnosis and so a treatment trial is often used. treatment options include:

treatment of secondary infections

essential fatty acids supplementation - 1 use in all cases

onychoitin - a biotin supplement - i use in all cases

you can then either use

pentoxyfylline 15mg/kg three times daily

or oxytetracycline and niacinamide in combination as they have an immune modulating effect. in dogs over 10kg 500mg of each drug needs to be used three times daily.

both of these combinations have minimal adverse effects. you nee dto wait 6 - 8 weeks to see an improvement and then you are looking for healthy growth at the base of the nail and the dog to stop losing nails.

Hope this is helpful, again sorry so slow!

Louise

[/quote]

That's very helpful, thanks a lot for that.

Re: Brittle claws

Louise6732 — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 10:08:06 GMT

So sorry I'm slow with reply! Here is the advice I got from dermatologist

generally there are not many other conditions that affected all nails in this way so SLO is the most likely diagnosis and so a treatment trial is often used. treatment options include:

treatment of secondary infections

essential fatty acids supplementation - 1 use in all cases

onychoitin - a biotin supplement - i use in all cases

you can then either use

pentoxyfylline 15mg/kg three times daily

or oxytetracycline and niacinamide in combination as they have an immune modulating effect. in dogs over 10kg 500mg of each drug needs to be used three times daily.

Hope this is helpful, again sorry so slow!

Louise

Re: Brittle claws

Richard Fox — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 23:17:17 GMT

Not that I know of Robin!

Re: Brittle claws

Robin Grimmer — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 13:20:30 GMT

That would be great thanks if you could send me info. Is this more common in collies?

Re: Brittle claws

Louise6732 — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 11:12:28 GMT

I had a case recently, approx 10yr male rough collie with a 10-12monh history of brittle, splitting yellow coloured nails, which kept falling off and catching on things. I spoke to a dermatologist, who suggested that the clinical picture was very typical of 'Lupoid Onychodystrophy' and that trial treatment would be safe enough, rather than GA and remove toe for biopsy

I'm not at work at the minute, but I can get you the details on treatments the she suggested if you'd like? Also, if you're a member of VIN just search for Lupoid Onychodystrophy and you'll get loads of info, also some pictures too!

Louise

Re: Brittle claws

Richard Fox — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 22:02:35 GMT

[quote]There is a procedure described for biopsy without digit amputation.[/quote]

I think its called the muller technique? with a dorsal nail punch biopsy but unless done well (and you have a big hole in the dorsal nail) then you'll not a get a good result - a dew claw is best IMHO - although I tend to advise medical treatment with waxing and waning multifocal onchyomedesis and then biopsy if no response

Re: Brittle claws

Robin Grimmer — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:35:55 GMT

Thanks for your suggestions, biopsy it is then. I'm not sure if the dew claws are affected though.

Re: Brittle claws

Rob Loxley — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:30:27 GMT

There is a procedure described for biopsy without digit amputation.

We have a couple of SLO cases that have responded well to niacinamide & oxytet.

Re: Brittle claws

Chris Geddes — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:19:38 GMT

If they objected to CS, how about ciclosporin?

Re: Brittle claws

Simon Neuhoff — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:05:35 GMT

Possibly Symmetric Lupoid Onychodystrophy. Biopsy (amputation of affected dew claw) for diagnosis. Treatment options include doxycycline and nicotinamide I think in addition to EFA's and or onychotin. Long courses required but outcome can be good.

Re: Brittle claws

Clive Ansell — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:53:00 GMT

Agreed, pathology is the way forward.

I had a similar case in a middle age schnauzer last November, histopathology showed in to be some weird and wonderful autoimmune condition related to lupus (sorry correct name escapes me) . all nails were affected and were brittle and used to break off. painful too. remainder of skin normal and otherwise nad on pe. responded well to immunosuppresive doses of corticosteroids. Difficult PITA client who objected to steroid use, finished the locum soon after so don't know what happened.

Re: Brittle claws

Michael Woodhouse — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:09:59 GMT

Send one off to a pathologist! If the dew claw is affected it's a simple one to send.