As I new member I came across this website whilst working!! Extremely interesting and joined up straight away. I have one dog at present and hopefully one new pup on the way. I do not breed dogs anymore but do show. I have a Pointer 3 1/2 years old and since 18months he was diagonised with DLE. We have spent a lot of time and research into this condition in dogs and after various visits to the vets, RVC , Homapathic treatment he is off medication for the past 6 months. The summer is the main problem as the condition is worsened by the sun. We will have to put him back on antiobiotics for a while when it flares up( he was on steriods but his condiition can be managed without them) . His immune system targets the skin cells on his nose causing blisters to form, these crust over and often come off and then others form. He also gets them on his hind legs, and testicles. He is a very active Pointer and loves to be out all day with me at the stables etc therefore it is often difficult to confirm him to being out of the sun. He has pure Zinc as a sun block and try to mange it the best way.

I have read that certain breeds are more prone to this condition, ie collies, GSD, German Pointers, but not English Pointers. If anyone has any further advice as to how we can manage the condition further please let me know.

Gill

Welcome to the forum Gill

I have a 6 year old GSP who suffers from a form of CLE. It effects mainly his under carriage, insides of his legs and underside of his neck. To date, only flaired up on his face/ears once (fingers crossed). He too has been off treatment for several years although, he is given doses of vitamin c at the start of the spring and this continues until october. I have also heard good things about Vitamin E, but have never tried it. Pollen seems to be a 'trigger', although as you know anything can trigger a response.

I am sorry I do not have any advice for you, but will be interested to hear what others have to say on this subject.

Incidently, my dog has just entered a 'spooky' stage.This is the first sign for us, that the rollercoaster is about to start

I wish your dog well.

Yes your are right, Jack has just started his spooky stage, I took him to the vets a couple of days ago as his eyes were sore and had some discharge. He has a couple of sores on the rim of his eyelid. He has started being a bit off colour and his nose pigment has change and the top of his nose is pink. The crusts on the bridge of his nose have never gone away and occasionally have to pick them off as they get infected underneath with yellow pus. Despite all this he is a very happy dog and I am amazed that when on the occassion I do show him when things are settle he lets the Judges go over his head, look at his teeth and does not flinch or is head shy. He is very trusting.