rnor1120 wrote:The lupus would also explain the kidneys and possibly even cardiac arrest. So sorry about the diagnosis
Thanks, while she's relieved to know what it is at last, she's distraught about the diagnosis and torn about what next steps to take. Dini is ten and a half now, and a large breed so fairly advanced age. She doesn't respond that well to most medications. She's already on a benzo when there are storms, and trying things like prozac didn't work for her, really affected her personality and zest for life. So Dini's mum really has three options:
1. Without treatment, paliative care for about six months, with painkillers introduced when she shows signs of needing them. Likely to live for only another six months or so.
2. Put her on the meds for Lupus, which are apparently quite heavy and might not agree with Dini, in the hopes of extending her life.
3. Try the lupus meds and see how Dini does on them. If they affect her negatively, stop them and move on to palliative care. This is the option I'd probably go with, but not my dog or decision, and I can see downsides to any of them. Money isn't a consideration, it's all about which would be best for Dini.
Her owner is so, so devastated. And full of guilt. Feels guilty that Dini went through so many blood tests and a disastrous full thickness punch biopsy, when the right blood test would have found this first. But it was a locum vet while her usual vet was on maternatity leave, and now that vet has returned, she hasn't dealt with a case of lupus in many years of practicing, so I guess it isn't that common in dogs? Not something they usually test for until other things have been ruled out? I don't know, but it seems unfair that Dini went through so much, when the right blood test would have caught it.
Dini couldn't have a more loving and devoted owner though. She's taken a lot of time off of work to look after her, many many trips to the vet, a great deal of money, and all she wants is the best thing for her. I've reminded her that she isn't a vet, couldn't have known, and did everything she possibly could.