My dog has a patchy rash, autoimmune history. Should she take steroids?

That is quite an unusual lesion. Has your vet consulted a dermatologist regarding that? Given the history of autoimmune disease and immunosuppressive medication options could include calcinosis cutis secondary to the steroids, a fungal (or atypical bacterial) infection, drug eruption, etc. There are higher risks for complications with certain drugs and for certain infectious agents in different parts of the country. Sampling is likely indicated (cytology or biopsy, culture) and i would definitely recommend getting the input of a dermatologist before it progresses. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Mollie! I wouldn’t do immunosuppressive doses of steroids without a biopsy. I would try a prescription hydrolzed diet like Royal Canin ultimino, put her on Bravecto, nexgard or simparica to cover for demodex and flea allergy dermatitis, omega 3 fish oil, allergy test her and try cytopoint. I think she has allergies. Most dogs with allergic skin disease need to be on multiple medications and special food. If that doesn’t work consider a boarded veterinary dermatologist. Then consider biopsy of the skin. I hope this helps and I wish Mollie the best!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sorry to hear that Lav is having this issue. The autoimmune condition will likely never be resolved. Steroids may make it go into "remission" but will not cure it. Some dogs can eventually come off the steroids and go for long periods without it but esentially the autoimmune condition will always be present. She should not be spayed while taking steroids as that class of medications causes delayed healing. She should only be spayed during a period of remission. I agree that she needs to be spayed. The false pregnancies can cause pyometra which is a life threatening condition. If she gets pyometra she will need emergency surgery that must be done even if she is on steroids causing extra complications. She will also be undergoing surgery while she is sick adding to the complications. Hope this clarifies. Best wishes to you and Lav.

I would also suspect an autoimmune disease like systemic lupus erythematosis with what you are describing. These are terrible diseases that are often difficult to treat. It appears that Roxy's current treatment is not very effective, so I would recommend scheduling a recheck exam with your vet. There are stronger medications that can be given. I would also want to ensure the disease is accurately diagnosed. This usually requires that a skin biopsy be done and sent to the laboratory for analysis. If this has not been done, then I would ask your vet about it. It's not unheard of for a case to be treated for autoimmune disease when the actual diagnosis was something different (i.e. skin cancer, mite infestation), so it's important to have a biopsy and histopathology (lab analysis) done. For more information about the suspected condition and autoimmune diseases, I recommend you read the short articles at the links below. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/systemic-lupus-erythematosis-sle-in-dogs https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/autoimmune-skin-disease-in-dogs I hope that helps and poor Roxy gets better soon.

Hello. If the dermatologist suspects this to be an autoimmune pyoderma, then I am surprised that an immune suppressive medication was not prescribed. I think I would recommend getting a second opinion from another veterinary dermatologist. If a round of immune suppressive oral &/or topical medications will not clear this lesion then I would definitely want a biopsy to see what the next step will be. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, The immunosuppression from the atopica, prednisone, and mycophenolate may have caused a bacterial or fungal skin infection. I have had more than one patient develop an infection while receiving multiple immunosuppressive drugs. I do not believe this is currently life threatening. However, if you begin to notice several affected areas with drainage and/or an odor, I would recommend following up with your veterinarian sooner.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Even though she could have mange like you suggest, usually this is very itchy. If she is not itchy then that would be unlikely. If this was an allergic reaction it may take a bit longer to get better. I would give this another 48 hours. If no improvement, have her evaluated by your veterinarian to make sure it is not something else like mites for example. Good luck and have a great night!