Protecting dog's skin from sunlight?

[ion]

My 9 year old springer bitch has been diagnosed with Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia - basically her immune system is fighting her own red cells. She has made some progress on steroids but the next step is to put her on an immunosuppressant called Imuran. It was dispensed by the chemist so it comes with a warning to protect skin from sunlight.
Given my own experience with UV sensitivity carrying on for weeks after treatment ceased does anybody have any experience of how a dog fares in a similar situation.
I am sadly aware that the success rate with treating IMHA is not high, but she was as bright as a button for two days stalking this week. As long as she has a good quality of life I won't hesitate to continue her treatment.

Thanks
Ion

 

[Ratten]

An awful situation to be in. I've not had experience of this, but wondered if some of those all over dog coats might be effective for her at least during winter when it's cool. Not sure how you'd do it otherwise?

Here's hoping for the best for her.

 

[Gm81]

I've no advice. But I hope for the best for your dog. Auto immune is so hard to treat. Very sad

 

[Stalker62]

As long as she has a good quality of life I won't hesitate to continue her treatment.

So very sorry to read about your Springer.
I have two (ageing) ESS myself, and absolutely get your take on your dog's care.

I wish the best for you both.

 

[ion]

Thanks for the kind words. At the moment it's up one day and down the next. She was very bright for the two days stalking this week - as long as those days continue.

 

[Buchan]

Hi, sorry to hear this. IMHA is rarely a good news story. Even treated and apparently stable dogs can suddenly crash with another haemolytic crisis. I'd personally not worry about the sunlight issue. The active drug is azothioprine which is linked to skin cancer in humans and can cause photosensitisation in individuals. However, the risk to your dog is small - especially (sorry to say this) that the long term outlook isn't great. I'd be inclined to let her enjoy a run outside if she wants to and not worry about the risks.

For those wondering what IMHA is - the immune system effectively turns on the red blood cells and causes a severe, sudden onset anaemia. It can be treated, but it's often fatal either at the time of the incident, or a bit later. I lost my flattie to this, she was just a bit weary in the morning, then I looked at her gums, and saw the anaemia. A big dose of steroid and she picked up, but sadly collapsed later in the day

 

[VSS]

It isn't a given that the treatment will result in sensitivity to sunlight, it's just one potential side effect.

(Incidentally, I have an autoimmune condition, and take 2 kinds of immunosuporessant drug, both of which may cause sensitivity to sunlight according to the blurb on the packet. Neither of them have, nor did the two previous drugs I was on).