Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy SLO

What is SLO?

It is an autoimmune disease whereby the dogs' immune system launches antibodies against their own toenails.

It is common in GSD's who have weaker immune systems than most other breeds and a contributing factor will almost certainly be vaccinations.
As an autoimmune problem, it is likely that your dog may have other problems such as ear and skin infections, GI problems/food allergies etc.

The symptoms of SLO include.

• The loss of nails from one or more paws but eventually all nails will be lost.
• Your dog will repeatedly lick the nails and there will be visible oozing at the base of the nail
• Receding of the nail quicks
• The nails split and lift up away from the nail bed
• The dog will experience pain and will limp
• Infection accompanied by a strong unpleasant odour

SLO cannot be cured, it has to be managed which means measures must be put in place not to further compromise the dogs' immune system and manage the symptoms without if possible having to resort to toxic pharmaceutical products.

No more vaccinations or spot on treatments which will further compromise the immune system. Consider NOSODES although your dog should not need these if they have been previously vaccinated and natural worming and flea products. Vaccinations or nosodes.

For natural parasite remedies
Ground pumpkin seeds are the best for internal parasites and Bill No Mates for external ones.

The root of all pathology lies with the gut so diet is very important - this applies to humans and dogs. It is almost certain that SLO is related to leaky gut - poor diet, allergy to the foods consumed. Most proprietary pet foods contain products which dogs would not normally consume which harms the gut.
Leaky gut leads to inflammation which then triggers an immune system response which can lead to autoimmune disease. If the immune system is weak, there may be more than one autoimmune disorder.

Diet should be grain free but if possible find one that's organic as herbicides and pesticides are in the food chain and damage the gut. It isn't just grains that cause problems - dairy and beef should also be avoided, they are not a natural diet for dogs or humans. Leaky gut in dogs

Two remedies that can be used topically as well as in food or drinking water.

Apple Cider Vinegar - must be raw organic with the mother. Biona, Braggs or Crossgates
1 teaspoon in food and used as a wash for the feet. It's wonderful for your dogs' coat, by the way, I use it as a hair conditioner.
Will sting on open wounds.

Colloidal Silver - Oral: A general guideline for oral dosing is five to 10 drops, two to three times per day. Many conditions are helped by both oral and direct application. Because it basically tastes like water, oral dosing shouldn’t be a problem.

Topical: As a wound cleaner, use to clean out affected area with a cotton swab. For skin conditions, spray onto the area or use as a compress several times a day.

Every home should have CS - it really is the magic potion. It is a very powerful antibiotic and anti-fungal, tolerance never develops and it's safe and non-toxic.
It is getting more expensive to buy now so long term you may wish to consider making your own but you would need to buy a generator and water distiller.
To purchase CS online.

Seahorse Atlantic Kelp Care Seaweed Supplement

Benefits of Kelp Care.

Buy Kelp Care.

• Promotes hair growth and pigmentation
• Aids digestion, source of fibre (pre-biotic)
  Certified to contain Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
• Supports the immune system
• Supports healthy joints and limbs, suitable for stiff and older dogs
• Amino acids – Taurine and Arginine for healthy eyes and healthy heart
• Supports healthy skin

MSM
Autoimmune Disease
MSM very effectively fights inflammations resulting from autoimmune reactions (in which the body’s immune system turns on itself).

Turmeric

Turmeric but must be organic. Make up the turmeric paste and put in food. Contains coconut oil which is also beneficial to health.

Most vets recommend giving a dog with SLO fish oils but the following must be considered and phytoplankton be used instead

'But fish oils oxidize when exposed to oxygen and this actually increases inflammation in your dog. And fish contain mercury and other heavy metals, PDBs and other toxins, and Pacific fish are suffering from the effects of radiation. These toxins all get passed to your dog and outweigh any benefits from the omega-3 fats. And fish oil is not sustainable and creates dead zones in our oceans.' Full article.
Where to purchase phytoplankton

For ear infections, Purple Stuff is the best treatment we have ever used, you can buy all ingredients online and mix up yourself

'They have found the Purple Power Solution to be effective for treating fungus-type infections on the feet and elsewhere on the dog, for cuts on dogs or people, and for hot spots. You may find other uses for this simple anti-infective agent.'
This may work on the feet too but the dog will have purple feet. If you try that, do it outside and make sure the dogs' feet are dry before he/she runs over your carpets!!