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My senior Shih Tzu has severe skin issues. Could it be autoimmune?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 11 years old | 9 lbs

Hi! I have a Shihtzu that is 10 years old. She started getting lesions on her tail. Small ones ...then it slowly moved to her feet where they have turned red and inflamed. She’s gotten to where she can’t hardly walk on them. Today I came home and my hus noticed her whole bottom tummy area lost hair and looks like a huge red spot with rough spots. We have been medicating her for the past 6 months. taking antibiotics, allergy pills, steroids. doctor thinks it is an autoimmune dis. Bloodwork normal

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 3rd, 2018

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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