Dogs use their paws and nails for almost everything in life! They need healthy paws to run, walk, play and dig. They also use their nails to grip objects such as toys and bones. Issues to the paws and nails can therefore drastically reduce the level of fulfillment your dog has with its life. As such, maintaining healthy paws and nails should be of utmost importance for all dog owners.
Unfortunately, symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO) is a rare genetic condition that can affect your dog’s nails regardless of how well you take care of your pup’s paws. In this article we run through the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease.
Lupoid onychodystrophy is a rare immune-mediated condition that is predisposed by genetics. It is considered a type of lupus in dogs, the term “lupus” referring to any condition that occurs due to the body’s immune system attacking its own cells. In this case, the lupus affects a dog’s nails, causing them to become brittle, break easily, and fall off. It won’t lead to any major health concerns and isn’t contagious; however, it can cause your dog extreme pain and limit their ability to carry out essential functions.
Thankfully, symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy is rare and only affects 1.3% of all domestic dogs. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of this disorder in case your dog falls into the percentage and needs veterinary treatment.
The symptoms of lupoid onychodystrophy in dogs can be quite subtle if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Besides, the symptoms tend to be progressive. They will be very mild initially and gradually worsen the longer the condition is left untreated.
Nevertheless, below are all the signs you should keep an eye out for whenever you inspect your dog’s paws and nails. These clinical signs can present on one or more paws. If you spot any of the below signs, especially in combination, there is a chance your dog has symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy and you should schedule an appointment with your vet:
The causes of lupoid onychodystrophy are unknown. However, researchers believe it is a rare immune-mediated disease that is dependent on your dog’s genetics. Scientists have come to this theory as SLO in dogs is more common in some breeds than others. For example, German Shepherds and Rottweilers are predisposed to developing the condition, whereas other breeds aren’t as much.
With that said, symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy can occur in any breed. Therefore, environmental factors might also come into play. The good news is that the medical disorder is not contagious and cannot be passed on to you or other pets.
Paw licking and nail inflammation are common symptoms of many nail-related diseases in dogs, such as bacterial infections and nail trauma. Therefore, your vet will begin the diagnosis by ruling out the other possibilities when conducting a full physical examination of the paws. This includes taking a sample of the skin to test for infections, as well as looking for signs of physical injury on the paws.
Endocrine diseases can also lead to similar symptoms in dogs, so your vet will also conduct blood and thyroid tests to eliminate these as disease options. If all other medical conditions are ruled out, your dog will likely be diagnosed with symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy.
The treatment for lupus in dogs’ nails varies between cases depending on the disease progression. Here is an overview of some of the treatments your vet may recommend. Most vets will suggest combination treatment that includes several of the below options:
Whichever treatment combination your vet prescribes, be aware that it will take some time to see results. Moreover, treatment combinations are often adjusted several times to find the most effective solution for your dog. It takes around six to twelve weeks on average to start seeing positive results, and several months more for the nails to return to normal.
The recovery of symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy in dogs also varies on a case-by-case basis. Some dogs will have strong and healthy nails after one round of treatment. However, others will require lifelong medication to keep their nails in good condition.
Although rare and not a threat to your dog’s life, SLO can have a huge impact on their wellbeing, fulfillment, and happiness. Dogs use their paws for almost everything, and damaged nails can be detrimental to many of their essential functions.
If you suspect your dog has SLO, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with your vet. They will run tests to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. With good combinational therapy, full recovery is possible and your dog can live a healthy and happy life.
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We recommend to grab a few additional heads in advance to ensure the maximum grinding quality. Replaceable heads are made from high-quality material and specifically designed for LuckyTail device.
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Quickly polish your pet’s nails with a coarse grinding head. It’s ideal for large dogs with thick nails.
