My dog has just been diagnosed with cutaneous histiocytosis. It is very rare, anyone have any good info on it?
bjevans44
I have done basic searches but only come up with technical medical journal stuff. I would love information from anyone with experience on the disease or any links to more practical information on treatments and prognosis so I can best determine how to best move forward and have any relevant questions ready when I speak with my vet. The dog is a Maltese who recently turned 2 years old.
Systemic Histiocytosis (SH) was originally recognized in closely related Bernese Mountain Dogs. SH is a generalized histiocytic proliferative disease with a marked tendency to involve skin, ocular and nasal mucosa, and peripheral lymph nodes. The disease predominately affects young to middle aged male dogs (2-8 years), although cases in females have been observed. SH has been observed in other breeds less commonly (eg Irish Wolfhounds, Basset Hounds and others). Clinical signs vary with the severity and extent of the disease and include anorexia, marked weight loss, stertorous respiration and conjunctivitis with marked chemosis. Multiple cutaneous nodules may be distributed over the entire body, but are especially prevalent in the scrotum, nasal apex, nasal planum and eyelids. Peripheral lymph nodes are often palpably enlarged. The disease course may be punctuated by remissions and relapses, which may occur spontaneously especially early in the disease course. In severe disease, lesions become persistent and do not respond to immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids.
(more at web page!)
I read just a little bit and it sounds simple to read so I hope it helps.
Best of Wishes! ♥
hope this helps.
Have you found this website?
It seems to be pretty readable.