Panniculitis is visible as a tumor that is an inflammation of the subcutaneous fat tissue just below the dog's skin. Generally, it is not cancerous. The affected area is usually the trunk and neck area of your dog and can show up as a single nodule or multiple nodules that can be ulcerated, developing draining tracts. This condition can affect dogs of any age, breed or sex, though the dachshund is one of the breeds more at risk. Treatment options include surgery and/or medication therapy, depending on the degree and severity of the panniculitis in your dachshund.
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Significance
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According to Go Pets America, the causes for panniculitis may be trauma, bacterial or fungal infections, other underlying diseases such as lupus panniculitis, recent corticosteroids, vaccine injections and other underlying conditions such as multicentric mast cell tumors. You may notice symptoms in your dachshund such as a loss of appetite, lethargy and depression.
Surgery
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After a definitive diagnosis through a biopsy, Pet MD states that the preferred treatment for panniculitis is surgery through an incision to remove the affected nodule/nodules. In some cases, surgery will be followed with medication therapy to treat the particular infections. If ulcerated, the nodules may be drained of any fluids.
Prednisone
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Prednisone, as documented by Embrace Pet Insurance, is used for the treatment of panniculitis for your dachshund. This is a synthetic inactive corticosteroid that is chemically converted by the liver into an active steroid. It suppresses the immune system and is often used to treat auto-immune, inflammatory and other diseases such as panniculitis.
Cyclosporine
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Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive agent produced by the soil fungus Beauveria nivea, which has a unique mechanism of immune suppression. This medication may be administered in place of the prednisone, because this medication, in oral form, may spare your dachshund some unpleasant hormonal side effects while recovering from panniculitis.
Tacrolimus
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Tacrolimus is a relatively new drug called a calcineurin inhibitor for the treatment of dermatitis and inflammation conditions such as panniculitis.
Anti-Biotic/Supplements
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In minor cases of panniculitis, vitamin E in oral form at 300 IU has helped in conjunction with steroids, reducing their use. An antibiotic may be prescribed as well to treat any viral or bacterial infections. A treatment of both niacinamide (one of the B-complex vitamins) and the antibiotic tetracycline work together to suppress the inflammation.
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