Autoimmune disease - Anyone have and expirence?

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Sasha is sick AGAIN, last time was in June, vet could not comfirm autoimmune or pneumonia.  Now that she is running 104 temp, very lethargic, not eating he is leaning towards autoimmune-HELP !!!  I cannot get her to eat - I have tried EVERYTHING - any suggestions.  The meds upset her stomach so the last time she had any food was Thursday morning!!!!.  The vet gave her injections of the meds yesterday so she would not vomit. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so sorry to hear that Sasha is ill.
"Autoimmune disease" is a very broad term. There are all kinds of diseases that fall into the autoimmune disease category, including (but not limited to) AIHA, Addison's disease, Demodectic Mange, Lupus, and Myasthenia Gravis. Do you know which particular disease(s) the vet thinks it may be?
Many of us here have found that with chronic diseases, your best bet is to ask for a referral to a specialist; in your case, a veterinary immunology specialist. We see dermatologists, gastroenterologists, orthopods, and other specialists, because our primary care physicians are not experts in all areas. The same is true of general practice vets.
I hope you can get some answers and some help for Sasha. Hugs to you both.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Hi Karen,
I ended up taking Sasha to the specialist this a.m., her fever did not break overnight and I could not bear to see her like this. The specialist ran many tests and nothing out of the ordinary in coming back.... I have to wait until Monday for the other internest/specialist to take a look at her. She is on IV, a different type of antibiotic and is resting comfortably. The attending specialist said it "may" be joint related but Sasha does not have any swelling or tenderness in her joints. As you indicated the term autoimmune really is a unbrella term for many different conditions. I just need to find out the root of Sasha's illness.

Thanks for responding I will keep you posted.

[Ann Kendig]

We haven't experienced this Barbara. My pups suffer from the same condition that Jack does. (Karen & Jack) If it were me, I would definitely consider a specialist. I just wasn't getting much satisfaction with my vet so I decided to seek out a specialist. Good luck and please let us know how Sasha is doing!

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

My baby girl is at the specialist now.... her temp. is going down very slowly. I called last night it was at 103.1 I hope when I call this morning is it lower. She will be at the specialist at the very least until Monday until the other doctor comes in. It is pure hell without my girl at home. My Oliver is keeping me on my toes and we are working very hard on house training thing - he poops alot - LOL. I will keep you posted.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so sorry and just want to lend support for you and Sasha at this time.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Thanks Nancy, Ned & Clancy...... I miss my baby girl - she is in good hands, I just want to get to the bottom of her illness. Thanks for the doodle support :) I will keep everyone posted.

[Nicole]

Was just reading your posts and wondered how Sasha is doing? I always felt terrible when my doodle was sick because she couldn't tell me what was wrong like a person can but when you look in those eyes you know they don't feel well...hope everything is great and Sasha is back to her happy self in no time (if of course she isn't already!) :)

[Jacque Reynolds]

Hi Barbara, last year my standard Poodle had similar symptoms and we were terrified. The vet was very concerned. Our regular vet was unable to help because he needed full time care so we ended up taking him to a 24 hour vet hospital.
He had a systemic infection. He had a lot of blood in his urine, my regular vet thought it was from his prostate, leaking into his bladder. They gave him antibiotics. He was not improving, they conducted a bunch of tests and he had a high white cell count. I took him back to the vet and they finally told me to take him to the hospital.
He was kept over night at the hospital where he got an injection of antibiotics, fluids and started to improve...they sent him home the next day with oral antibiotics.
Bottom line, he was so ill that none of the meds were being absorbed in his stomach, the only ones that worked were IV type...so back to the vet hospital...
He stayed a full week and they found infection in his stomach and his lymph nodes. He had an eye infection and an ear infection...they asparated his lymph nodes to find the type of bacteria, since they were very swollen...it was not identifiable!
Finally, after the coctail of antibiotics and lots of fluids he started to improve. I asked them to check his ears for foxtails...they sort of pooh-poohed that and told me that they did check, his ears were good. I asked them again to please check again because he had been shaking his head months ago (but the vet said he was fine) and, sure enough, they found a foxtail embedded in his ear canal. They removed it. He got well...my point is that it could be something really simple that they are missing...think about any possible sign from the last few months and insist that they check.
I would ask them to put her in a hospital where she can get 24 hour care and constant IV fluids and antibiotics. Then, when she is stronger, you can bring her home and treat her with oral meds. But if she is this sick, she might need more than what you can give her at home.
Also, are you feeding her any dried chicken treats? Chicken tenders or anything? They are toxic and some dogs have died from eating them...I know, I lost a pup by feeding Waggin Train Chicken treats.
I wish you all the best...