Is immune mediated arthropathy possibly food related?

[Michele Follger]

I have posted this in a couple other spots, but the more I read it seems like there might be a food connection at least in treatment. And you all seem to be so smart and supportive that I thought I would post it hear. I am so worried. I'd appreciated any input.

 

My sweet 4 year old dood, Sunny, has been limping on and off for several months.
 
We have done xrays that were inconclusive. Vets were thinking that it might be a partial cruciate tear. But Sunny's half brother (same dad) died from Immune mediated arthritis which manifested itself originally with a limp.
 
Anyway, long story short, I am terrified that this may be what Sunny has. Anyone have any experience with this?
 
Thanks!
 
Michele Follger

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Michele, I was not familiar with this disease. I looked up some information briefly last night, and it seems there are many forms, some of them secondary to another underlying illness. The prognosis can be good for many dogs with immune mediated arthritis, so I would try to be positive. I did not find anything indicating that it is a genetic disease, so hopefully, your vet is correct about Sunny's condition and you will be able to treat it.

I did not look far enough into the diease to find any kind of food connection, and on the surface, it seems unlikely that there would be one, other than perhaps certain vitamin or mineral supplements. Of course, there are "natural remedy" websites that would have you believe that any disease can be cured with foods, but that is simply not true. Of course, feeding a high-quality premium diet with a good Omega 6:3 ratio helps overall health, but other than that, I don't know what dietary factors might play a role. I would be interested in what you have found that connects food to the disease or the treatment.

Sunny is adorable, BTW!

 

[Michele Follger]

Karen,

 

I am trying to stay positive. Thanks so much for your input. I am feeding her Acana and she does well on that. Although lately she goes outside and immediately starts eating grass. But she has nice poops and no sign of tummy trouble.

 

I will keep you posted on what we find out.

Michele

[Lori]

Poor Sunny....hoping you are feeling better soon sweetie pie! Doodle Kisses from Casper : )

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I am so sorry to hear of Sunny's problems. I do not have any personal experience with this condition but it sounds like you still have a lot of unanswered questions as far as even getting a diagnosis at this point. I have to admit I too would be concerned if Tara had a half brother who had such a severe case of the disease though. I think that is possible that food can be a factor in some inflammatory conditions. Every individual is different and what resonates with one body may irritate another.  As Karen said food may not be a "cure" but certain foods could be an irritating factor. Some people have successfully treated human rheumatoid arthritis symptoms with dietary changes. I'm not saying it "cured" them but it enabled them to continue functioning at a normal or near normal level. If she does end up having this condition I think it would be good to take a close look at her diet in that light.  Here is a link to a Dr.'s site that works with people who have rheumatoid arthritis using dietary changes:

http://www.drmcdougall.com/stars/star06_jean-brown.html

 

I don't have any personal experience with him either though so keep that in mind! But I just thought if some people are finding that diet is a factor for them that it could also be true for dogs.

 

Your girl is absolutely beautiful and I love her big old' doodle nose!! Please continue to keep us posted as to what you find out about her situation. I really hope it turns out to be something other than this disease!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Two cautions; one is that the this website is selling products, so you need to find independent confirmation of the information there. Of course they're going to say it works, they're the ones who are selling it. This is not a fact based website, it's a promotional website for this particular doctor's products.

Dietary factors can definitely help with inflammation and inflammatory, I have a close friend whose child has rheumatoid arthritis and he takes all kinds of dietary supplements; but immune mediated arthritis in dogs is a different disease. Also, dogs' nutritional requirements are different than humans. Their protein and fat requirements are much higher, their carbohydrate requirements are much lower, they require certain vitamins and minerals from their food that we don't require, and they don't require others that we do require.

[Michele Follger]

Thank you all.

I just spoke to the my friend who lost Sunny's brother. We now have an appointment on Tuesday with her vet. She at least has some experience with this disease and she has a lab at her clinic that can give us some blood test results immediately. I am going to keep an optimistic outlook and hope that we will be ruling this disease out.

 

I will keep you posted.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Good luck, I hope you can rule this out as well!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Our Springer had a torn CCL.  His was quite obvious on x-rays. Perhaps small tears need more sophisticated diagnostic equipment than regular vets have.  I see you have an appt with another vet who might be more experienced in diagnosing Immune mediated arthritis.  May I also suggest going to a vet surgeon who would be used to diagnosing and operating on CCL tears.

[Michele Follger]

Thanks Nancy,

My pal who lost her boy said that her vet could tell immediately by the blood test that there was something wrong. I am praying that Sunny's bloodwork will be clean and our next stop will be the surgeon. Keep your fingers and toes crossed. I'll keep you posted.

[Michele Follger]

Okay, we went to my friend's vet yesterday. They did new xrays and blood work and only found that Sunny's white blood cell count is elevated and her hind left knee is swollen. Xrays were normal. This vet recommended that we go to WA state university vet hospital, because of the vague diagnosis and Sunny's brother's history. So we now have appointments there next Wed and Thurs. (it is 2 hours away, so I am surely in the running for pet owner of the year, right?) They do consults one day and tests the next. Seems kind of strange, but nothing we can do about it.

Thanks for all your support and I will keep you posted on what we find out.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

oh Michele...I hope it is nothing big.  Please keep us posted!  Sunny is just adorable and his face really reminds me of my Peri's.

Lots of hugs coming your way. Hope this is treatable and Sunny is back to normal soon :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Keeping paws and fingers crossed for good results! Please keep us posted.