Protein Losing Neurothropathy

[RachelZ]

My 7-year-old rottie/shepherd mix has been diagnosed with protein losing neurothropathy. She is on medication, but I am told there is no treatment for her condition and she may only be with us for a couple more weeks or months. Is anyone else familiar with this condition? I am at my wits end with grief and so scared about watching her deteriorate and having to make that final decision. I would welcome any thoughts.

[Magnum]

Hi Rachel! I am so sorry to hear this.:( What is her name?

Neuroarthropathy is well know in the diabetic world and is why it is so important for diabetics to protect their limbs and spine. Neuropathy causes nerves to not be as sensitive, thus the patient continually injures the area (bone). Now with your dog: Is there a particular area your dog is having problems with, or is it generalized throughout? Not saying your dog is diabetic, but neuroarthropathy is usually caused by a previous, or ongoing injury to an area and diabetes is a big contributor to it in humans. The meds prescribed: is it Rimadyl or some other pain/anti~inflammatory med? Were radiographs taken? Also, have you gotten a second opinion?

I am really sorry this is happening to her. Please know she is in my thoughts and prayers.

['too crazy]

Wow mags, great information. I've never even heard of this before. Rachel I'm sorry to hear this and just wanted you to know I'm sending hugs and prayers to you and your baby.

[RachelZ]

My dog's (Cleo), condition, protein losing nephropathy is also known as Glomerulonephritis. It doesn't sound like either condition you described. Glomerulonephritis results in excessive loss of protein into the urine (proteinuria). In many dogs with glomerulonephritis, the inciting cause cannot be found and the problem is said to be idiopathic. She is taking medication (Enalapril) for high blood pressure, Pepcid, and Omea 3 fatty acids to limit the inflammatory response. I'm really interested in hearing from anyone who may have or has had a dog with this condition and to find out what to expect at the end.

[Squawksx3]

Im so sorry. I have no experience with this. Sending prayers your way....

[alicat620]

Mags, what great information~! You are so informative ... I was never aware of this condition. Thank you~! for telling and enlightening us.

I am very sorry RachelZ of Cleo's "actual" condition as you made us aware spelled correctly. I'll say prayers for Cleo and hope you get the answers you are seeking.

[Magnum]

Oh wow, big difference.....:eek: I have not had a dog with this. Still keeping Cleo in my prayers.

[LuvPip]

Hi RachelZ - My Sheltie Pip was just diagnosed with the same illness/sympton. Our vet is checking for hyperadrenocorticism (Cushings disease). Although the vet does think he has Cushings, the protein losing nephropathy may or may not be caused by the Cushings. We have him on Hills KD, aspirin (compounded small dose), blood pressure medication (he has a murmur), Omega 3's, pepcid and Alternagel(r) which is like Mylanta (these help to keep the good proteins absorbed) and subcutaneous fluids. All his levels have stabilized (kidneys), but he keeps losing protein. The vet just prescribed Anipryl Rx. I can let you know how it turns out. What I find so frustrating, is that Pip runs around and plays with his brother, eats and drinks well and is so full of life and there doesn't seem to be anything I can do. Hopefully someone out there has some more info. I found this site helpful http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00439.htm
I am happy to enjoy this time with him. I also was quoted two weeks to two months. I feel my Pip's going to beat the odds. My prayers are with you and Cleo.

[LuvPip]

RachelZ - I gave the incorrect name of the medication Pip is on. He is on Enalapril (Enacard Rx). I just got it today. Fingers crossed it will help X

[cobykatz]

My neighbours dog had that. i phoned her and asked what she did caus her dog got better. the words protein losing stuck in my mind. kinda odd sounding. anyway, she said her dog got acupuncture and chinese herbs but she didnt know what herbs caus they were all mixed up in some kind of combo but she said they were chinese herbs. i looked up this disease and sure enough it says acupuncture for it and there's a chinese doctor too that says he uses acupuncture and chinese herbs to heal it. here's a couple.like i know this stuff is for people but thats all i could find. If it works for people it oughta work for dogs too. it did for my neighbour's dog http://www.heilpflanzen-welt.de/science/1999/10476672.htm http://www.tcmadvisory.com/feedback/refer28.htm

[LuvPip]

Thanks for the info. I'm going to check into the herbs and accupuncture. I'm hoping someone around here does it.

I had to take Pip to the vet last night. He gave us a scare when his gums looked so pale. He's holding his own though. He's been eating Hills K/D for some time now and was ok. Now he's getting fussy. I'm worried about that.

Thank you again and god bless :)

[cfarley329]

My 9 yr old bulldog has this! What has your outcome been from the treatment? We go back to the vet thursday for more tests.

[ltret0294]

cfarley329 3-16-2008
We laid our 7 1/2 yr old yorkie to rest 1/23/08 after his kidneys finally gave out and shut down from the very same illness. Please see my posts/replies in the archives (Dec07-Jan08).
Our DJ was diagnosed with GN in Sep 06 and managed to hang on until this Jan. Our daily medication was 1.2ml of Enalapril 2x a day and quarterly blood work.
If I am not mistaken there are two(2) types of GN, acute and chronic. Acute has some cure rate but chronic is a slow decline.
Acupuncture and some Chinese herbs helped some but his glomeril were too far gone.
I have plenty of web sites if you would like to read up on the illness. Here is one that I found informative.
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_glomerulonephritis.html
Bob

[tiffers]

cfarley329 and ltret0294, this post is more than 2 years old.