Bubba update

[willsana]

Many of you know Willow's "Uncle Bubba", my oldest dog, was diagnosed with Lupus a few months ago. (I call him her "Uncle" because the age difference is too big to be a "Brother" :D ) The symptoms are not very severe. (small lesions on the tissue of his gums and rims of his eyes) His vet and I decided to see how he did on prednisone. The symptoms were controlled by the meds. But he became constantly ill. He lost weight and felt bad most of the time. After more discussion with Hoodad and the vet we decided the lupus symptoms are not as bad as the med side effects and tapered him off of the prednisone.

I have been very worried about him since then. He was very slow to gain back some weight and regain his former energy. I worried that being a senior it might have all just been too much for him....

NOT!!!! :D Today we were all in the back yard, Willow, Bubba, Scandal and I. I gave Bub a good brushing (he is Airedale/German Shepherd...picture Wirehaired Shepherd). I noticed that he has filled out a good bit. I had not really noticed because his hair has been growing out from the springtime trim. Afterward he and Scandal ran and romped and played "Wolves"! This has not happened in MONTHS!!! I was clapping and cheering and Willow was running and barking. It was the best thing to see. :cheer:

[Kim H.]

I agree with you, I do not like the side effects of steroids (have had 2 cockers requiring them in the past). I'm glad he's doing so well. I think your two "big kids" are just gorgeous!!! :bounce:

Keep up the good work, Bubba!! :heart:

[blazeman]

That is great! I was gonna ask how he was in Chat... but we had so many people... I forgot :D

One can never have to many rayz... so... :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for Bubba and his continued getting better!!

[minicooper]

Go Bubba! :bounce:

It's wonderful that he is doing so well without the meds! :appl: :cheer:

[Me&DappledDuo]

This is wonderful news, Annie!! I've been wondering about him for awhile, now. Thanks SO much for the excellent update!

I can easily picture how much fun it must have been to watch the 3 of them play. :D

Keep getting better, Bubba! :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[blueyezz74]

Annie,
I'm not too familiar with Lupus. Can you or someone else tell me what it is? Thanks.

Sounds like Bubba is doing just good. Some times taking meds is worse than not. Keep us updated!

[squirrel818]

ugh i hate prednisone! my neighbors dog was on it and all she did was lay around. this is a 8 month jack russell i'm talking about. layiong around is not in nature. thankfully she isn't taking it anymore so she has regaines some of her previous energy. hooray bubba! keep getting better buddy so you can chase that little willow rose!

[doxunzX3]

Of course the rest of the pack too! Here are some rayz for Bubba to keep feeling better. :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:
Thanks for the update and the wonderful description of them all romping together. What a wonderful gift to be able to see them all enjoying life and each other. We could learn something from our dogs. They just live for the moments and don't regret or hang on to past or present problems. When things get better they just delight in the simple pleasures.

[quavec]

Great news. I did not know that dogs could get Lupus. My best friend has it (not a dog). I am so glad Buddy is doing better! :cheer:

[lotsadox]

Oh, Annie, I'm so glad Uncle Bubba is feeling better. :cheer: :cheer: Isn't it wonderful to see them feeling good and playing?

[willsana]

About Canine Lupus (http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/immune%20disorders/lupus%20erythematosus.htm)

Bubba has CLE.

In Bubba's case (so far) his only symptoms are small lesions on the rims of his eyes and his lower lips. You can not really see the eyerim lesions. But his eyes are slightly irritated and they get a little "goopy." Prednisone eyedrops easily take care of them. But the eyedrops seem to effect his eyesight. And I worry about using them long-term. The lesions on his lips are larger, but still pretty small. They do secrete some fluid that makes his beard icky. Cleaning it is difficult because I have to be so careful not to hurt the tissue with the lesions. I may have to keep his beard trimmed. :( It is so cute, tho. I put cortizone ointment on the lesions. But his canine teeth rub there, so I don't know if it is helping really. We are hoping that the long-term benefits of the vitiman E, fatty acids and zinc will eventually help with these symptoms.

I have my happy Bubbie back. I can deal with a little goop and shaved beards. :)

[Juneysmom]

This is great. :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

It is so hard to make decisions when using certain meds. You have an inner battle. You know that the pup will get better on meds, but then the quality of life decreases substantially if you put the pup on the meds. Something I'm going through with Bunny.

[SirOliversMom]

Lots more rayz coming your way!! :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for Bubba.

[quavec]

Thanks for the link!

[Patt]

Many rayz coming your way to help Bubba. :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[Heidismom]

Go, Bubba! Hurray! :rayz: :rayz: :cheer: :bounce: Julia B.