C H

Cutaneous Histiocytosis is often abbreviated as CH - no it doesn't stand for Champion LOL! It's a vile & insidious Auto Immune Disease. It's also referred to as the 'button disease', as it manefests as small 'button' like lumps just under the skin. It is not breed specific, or age specific - although when some get it under 4 years old it often goes into remission never to return, the older the dog is when diagnosed, the less likely the remission will be very permanent. It's a hyper or hypo (sorry I forget which) response to an allergic reaction, and it can sort of build on itself. It is triggered by stress, allergies, etc.. It is a recessive gene so breeders can't really screen for it, because breeding to a different dog will often not produce puppies with this problem. It occurs in mixed breeds too, there is little rhyme or reason as far as figuring out who/what will likely end up with it. Most people assume it's cancer and euthanize immediately. Others do the biopsy, get the results and run into a brick wall as far as vets or are daunted by the fact that it can't be cured and euthanize. A few follow vet recommendations to treat with steriods by massive doses, & I only found 1 person on the web who's dog went into remission, the other 4 listing I found stated the dogs died of organ failure due to the steroids... I did not chose that route...

I can only speak for myself (which I do often), but vaccines/medications tend to make it much much worse - so.........Apache is being seen by a holistic vet and has not had ANY shots in the past 3 years no, and will not be getting any (refer to your states guidelines regarding Rabies vaccines). Also, to combat the food allergies (he's allergic to beef, pork, chicken, turkey, venison - so far), he eats Solid Gold dog food on his good days (when his inhallent allergies aren't likely to be triggered - i.e. winter in Western PA), and raw rabbit and/or lamb on his not so good days. I suppliment with brown rice, raw carrots, occasionally yams and sweet potatoes (yep, he eats better than I do), along with 2 Chinese Herbs I can't remember the name of right this second, and 1/3 of a capsule of Red Rasberry Leaf, Eyebright, Pau D'Arco, Milk Thistle, Cat's Claw, & Echinacea... I have it down to a pretty good science now, it takes me about 10 minutes to get the food together for his 2x day feedings. He appears the picture of health, does demonstrations with me & is one of the happiest/self assured dogs you would ever have the pleasure of meeting. No one would know he was not well spending time with him.

I'm trying to give you a reference point, at least a little, so you can maybe help you vet if your dog is diagnosed, or at least make a more informed decision in his treatment. REPEAT AFTER ME - My Vet is not GOD, He DOES NOT know EVERYTHING! It is MY job to make an informed/intelligent decision on my dog's health!! Most vet's HAVE NEVER seen this disease first hand (ask them if they've ever actually treated a dog with this exact disease), but are highly willing to TRY and treat your dog based on limited research. I honestly think some are just looking to get published somewhere/anywhere. Do all of your homework FIRST and stick to your guns - even when your vet is telling you that they don't recommend something - if you truly believe/know it's the right choice, stick with it - even it you have to dump your vet.... Like I warned you, just my honest opinion....scary thought!