Dog ate chocolate?

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Possible autoimmune disease.

Species: Dog
Breed: Chocolate Lab
Age: 1-2 years
Hi,

My dog is currently under vetrinarian care but he has a problem that my current vet believes are due to a food allergy.We have followed his recommendations to the letter but Sam's issue is not getting better. I can provide pictures of his mouth area if you like.

Primary symptom: Started on the lips and nose where he is losing pigment along his lips, roof and floor of his mouth (tongue excluded) and the lower part of his nose (not above the nostril line) The top of his nose remains normal.

Secondary Symptom: Noticed by the vet when we had him in for neutering but reveals itself in dry/raw pads. He does lick his paws more than our other dog but then again our other dog is not a digger.

Sam is on the larger side for a lab but is not obsese. Color is okay as it appetite and behaviours with no noticeable quirks (except maybe the licking of his paws)

I have already spent $1k in the last month on him and have yet to do a skin sample but before I did I thought I would ask someone else.

Thanks

Rob


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Oh, I am sorry that you have gone through these frustrating problems with Sam.

Although I can't say for sure without seeing Sam, what you have described has me really concerned about an autoimmune condition such as pemphigus or lupus.

When I see a dog with skin lesions affecting the mouth, nose and feet, an autoimmune condition becomes more likely.

Most likely your vet has already tried a course of antibiotics which would take care of things if this was a bacterial infection.

Unfortunately the only way to know for sure if this is an autoimmune condition is to do skin biopsies of the affected areas so I would advise that you go ahead with this.

Many dogs with autoimmune conditions can be controlled quite well with medications but it can sometimes be a difficult ordeal.

I really hope everything works out ok.

Dr. Marie.

---This question was asked in our Ask A Vet For Free section.---


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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.