Does anybody know about Autoimmune arthropathy?

[OldeCapeCod]

I everyone. I'm brand new to this group. First, I'd like to apologize for the length of this email. My question is in the subject line. I'm enclosing part of an email from my vet regarding the 2nd set of xrays my 11 yr. old, Hannah, had done. Like the other posts, she has a swollen elbow. She was holds the leg up while standing, but can do big, deep stretches w/no problem. The vet removed fluid from an abcess and had it tested. An examination gave no clues, so she was xrayed and the xrays showed nothing. We went back to the vet after finishing her antibiotic, (Clavamox) with little obvious result. Now she is almost done w/a round of antiamflamatories (Rmadyl). The joint is less swollen, but she still holds it up often while standing. There is much less swelling though. The vet reports that:

"radiographs looked "good". There is no evidence of cancer, there is the swelling that we are obviously aware of, and that there is no evidence of any major arthritic disease." The bone specialist said, "the results of the fluid analysis are consistent with: lyme disease, autoimmune disease (autoimmune arthropathy), and infection."

Hannah tested negative for lyme disease. Infection is highly unlikely because the swelling did not completely respond to the Clavamox. Finally, the autoimmune disease is a possibility due to her historical hemolytic anemia (she survived a battle with immune mediated hemolytic anemia when she was about 3 yrs. old).

So, can anybody tell me about autoimmune arthropathy. I Googled it and came away with was that the immune system attacks the muscle and connective tissue. I don't know if it progresses slowly or quickly or can be cured. I'm also not even sure this is what she has. All I know is that I want her in my life as long as possible. Another 11 yrs. would be wonderful Any info you have to share would be great.

Thanks.
El

[rrkingmccue]

It sound to me, that what Hannah has, is an "elbow jack". They are found in all breeds, but are more obviuos in the hair challenged breeds. The elbow rests on hard surfaces while the dog is lying down. The body's own defense, is to pad the joint area with fluid to protect it. It's nothing life threatening. If it's drained, it will most likely come back. There are all kinds of "cures" for this. Sometimes they work, and sometimes they don't. I see your call name is Cape Cod. How far are you from Raynham MA? If I were you, I'ld find a RACING GH (not retired gh) vet, and have him/her confirm.

Kathi

[Inquisitive Snoop]

Hi and welcome. Is your vet a sighthound vet. If not he may not be familiar with the different things that sighthouds are prone to get. Two of my Whippets had that, both on the hind leg. My vet said it was just a fluid build-up and nothing to worry about. Thunder's has since disappeared since I have him softer bedding. Snoopy still have his but it seems to be getting smaller. I would take Kathi's advice and go to a greyhound vet in NH just to have it checked out.

[OldeCapeCod]

First, thank you so much for responding. I'm sure you can guess how much I worry about her. She's such a good dog (even though she will not allow another bitch in the house, and I'd love another one!). I heard there was a vet on the Cape that treats Greyhounds. If anyone knows his name, I'd appreciate your letting me know! Actually, I think I'll post this in another area so more people will see it.

I'm relieved you think it may not be the immunue mediated arthropathy. Hannah has never really had to lay down on hard floors, because she has her own easy chair and can stretch out whereever she pleases. Right now she's actually laying down on top of two pillows (The Princess and The Pea).

The day-to-day issue I'm having with her now, is keeping her from running and overusing her leg. Do they limp or hold up their leg for because of a hygroma? Somehow I don't picture them being painful. She can stretch with no problem though. Thanks again for your responses.

El