My Dog with Lupus

Our dog Max, a German shepherd with personality, wouldn’t stop barking. It was early evening and I had just finished feeding him and our other dog named Star. She’s a black Labrador shepherd mix about five years old, one year younger than Max.

After several minutes of his incisive barking, I stepped outside to see what all the commotion was about.

Max was standing over Star, barking and snarling. First I thought they were having a fight and that Max had simply gotten the best of her. As I got closer I saw what was really happening: Star was having a seizure!

Max stepped aside as I sat on the ground next to Star, holding her tightly. I tried to keep Star calm and safe as her arms and legs flailed about uncontrollably. Foam covered her mouth. She was clearly in distress.

Several minutes later, Star gradually came out of it: weak, dizzy and unsure of herself. Never having witnessed anything like this before, we were scared and worried to say the least!

After a physical examination, blood tests and several hundred dollars later, Star was diagnosed with Lupus. A disease more commonly associated with people, which has no known cure. But just like the human variety, the canine version can be treated and contained, allowing your dog the chance to lead a more normal life.

Lupus affects dogs much like it does people. It’s a disease that confuses the body’s immune system. Subsequently, the body doesn’t know the good cells from the bad cells. Not realizing which ones are actual threats to the system. Thus, potentially destroying or harming vital organs such as the heart, lungs and kidneys in the process.

As Star’s illness progressed, she began exhibiting watery eyes, a peeling-red nose and increased epileptic seizures; when we witnessed them. The Veterinarian prescribed a medical cocktail consisting of tetracycline, niachiamide and prednisone in an attempt to keep the lupus in check, which was all that could be done. Star will have to ingest multiple doses of these meds on a daily basis: for the remainder of her life.

The medication cost varies from $50 to $100 per month with additional bills for regular blood tests and physical examinations. These procedures are critical in order for the Vet to access Star’s ability in living with this chronic illness.

A pet having lupus can be very traumatic. The initial cost of diagnosis, blood tests, possible hospital stays and medical care, along with medications; can be overwhelming. Combined with the obvious family concerns and financial stress, the prognosis can be tough.

Support and affordable care for canines with lupus has been a challenge to say the least.

Too often man’s-best-friend is forgotten about or simply ignored when they have an illness that’s not readily recognizable or easily, and cheaply, treated.

Here’s to the members of our family, who just happen to have four legs, lots of hair and a cold, wet nose. And my dog Star.