What's the cost of adopting a dog with autoimmune skin issues?

Skin problems can occur for a number of reasons other than mange including allergies, infections, fleas and autoimmune problems. I would try to talk to the staff at the shelter to see if they can give you a better idea of what the underlying cause is. Some problems such as allergies or autoimmune conditions can result in a lifetime of care that may be expensive well others may be managed relatively easily.

Hi there. I'm afraid it really depends a lot on the details of the case, and how severe his symptoms are. Environmental allergies can range from mild seasonal issues that may be easily managed with short courses of antihistamines and/or steroids as needed, to severe problems that may require allergy testing and immunotherapy treatment, daily long-term medication (which can be expensive in a large-breed dog), and/or even referral to a dermatologist to get a handle on. So if this is a concern for you, I would suggest getting some additional information from the shelter on how severe the issue is, what kind of treatment he is currently on to manage it, and how well he has responded. This should give you a better idea of what to expect going forward, if you decide to proceed with the adoption.

Are you 100% of the diagnosis? Was it made with a skin scrapings? It is not impossible, however it would be highly unusual, to get this diagnosis in a 6 month old kitten. Before you adopt her I suggest you get that information. If only a presumptive diagnosis has been made, then you should take her to a veterinary dermatologist to get a confirmative diagnosis. This is not a disease you want to treat them for if they don't actually have it. Diagnostic tests that should be performed include cytology, surface skin scrapings, and deep skin scrapings. If no problem is identified with these screening tests, and there is a clinical suspicion for pemphigus, then biopsies should be collected and cultures should be submitted to a laboratory for analysis. Cultures are recommended to rule out a topical disease process from bacterial or fugal infections. I cannot give you an overall cost associated with this disease as it would depend on which medication is used (all have different price points) and her response to the therapy. She would need at minimum yearly blood testing (cbc, chemistry, thyroid) for sure which can run ~$150-$200. The prognosis is very good. In cats even though most cats will require lifelong therapy to maintain remission. Hope this answers your questions. The first step is to make 100% of her diagnosis before adoption.

Yes, adoption fees have become quite high for rescue/shelter dogs. But there is something else for you to consider before you sign on the dotted line. The adoption fee is just the beginning. You must also be able to afford food, routine veterinary care, vaccinations, special medications, possibly grooming, and any other "surprises" that may come up over the course of the dog's life. If you feel you will be able to handle additional, unforeseen costs, you might try city or town shelters rather than the private ones. You can Google "dogs for adoption in (your state)" and you will see all the dogs available in that state. But please remember that the only thing worse than a dog being in a shelter is that dog having to return to the shelter if money runs out.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! If Saint has a dry goose honk cough it is likely kennel cough since he was just in the shelter. Kennel cough is usually self limiting over 2 weeks. He shouldn't be allowed around other dogs until the cough has resolved as it is very contagious. His skin can be from fleas, a skin infection, poor diet, demodex or ring worm. There is also a gland at the tail base that can get infected. Be sure he is on a good oral flea and tick preventative. Nexgard, Bravecto and Simparica get fleas and ticks, as well as demodec. I would start him on a good commercial balanced dog food, start an Omega 3 fish oil and try a medicated shampoo. if the skin doesn't improve in 2 weeks he should be seen by a Vet. Bathe him 2x's per week and let the lather sit on for 10 mins before rinsing. I attached links below to some products. I wish you and Saint the best! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24785 https://www.vrshealth.com/canine-products/omegadog/ https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27307

That's a good question. I would recommend making her adoption contingent on an exam and consultation with an oncologist (at your cost) to get this question adequately answered. Based on my knowledge, it's important to find an underlying cause for the uveitis and that process can be expensive, and then whatever is causing it could be expensive. It definitely not a no-big-deal thing. But if you're interested in her, and could afford it, getting her a specialist consultation would be wonderful