Onychomadesis. Has anyone elses dog had this disease?

Hi guys!

I'm pretty new on here but was wondering if any of you could give me some answers.

My cross breed, Milo has developed a rare auto immune disease called Onychomadesis. Basically, the immune system is destroying his nails as they grow.
The poor lad has had both dew claw nails pulled out and 5 of his other nails pulled out, some under sedation as too painful. I have had to pull 2 myself. The nails are very brittle and split and break easily. After being pulled they grow back all manky, brown twisted cracked wonky looking, like an old chewed twig or something.
He is very prone to nail bed infections, which is how he was diagnosed. second infection was very painful so vet thought toe was broken and did x-ray. All was clear and on realising it was fourth time we had visited with foot troubles he thought it may be Onychomadesis so spoke to specialist.

Anyway, he has now started his treatment. Supplements and medication. It's only been a week.

I was wondering if anyone elses doggy had had this disease and what the future holds??
Will his nails get back to normal so he can walk, run and play like a normal dog again?

He currently can't be walked due to bare nail quicks on two toes and a very damaged nail. When he is walked it must be on lead, gentle walk and wash his feet with antibacterial dog shampoo on return. Milo just loves to run and chase/be chased with other dogs so its a bit of a miserable time for him. Especially as he used to get 2hours a day walking. He's put weight on too, bless him.

I know it will be around 3 to 6 months before noticable improvements in his nails. Hoping someone can give me hope it'll all be worth it!

Clare and Milo x

this is a horrible desease and I know several members on my greyhound forum had had hounds suffer with this.
There is a brilliant homeopathic practitioner who has great success in treating this but i don't think I am allowed to put her name or contact on the thread but I am happy to pass it on to you if you wish to pm me.

My Rottweiler has Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy Claire she's had it nearly 2 yrs now.
It can never be cured only treated but my dog is so much better now than when she first was diagnosed.
My dog was started off on antibiotics (can't remember the name now) and Coatex and Nicotinamide which she is still on and always will be. In very bad cases steroids can also be used for a while.
I also buy Echinachia from the health food shop which is for the immune system.
His nails may never be perfect but he will be able to walk run and play so don't worry as a week is very early days.

Certain breeds are more prone than others and i think like Polly7 mentions Greyhounds come top of the list but any breed can get it.

Any more info just ask.

One of our hypothyroid Boxers had this. If not already done might be worthwhile getting the thyroid tested.

Thanks for the responses Glad to hear Milo will eventually get back to normal. I never knew it was more common in greyhounds, I'm fairly certain Milo doesn't have any greyhound in him. He was a stray, from Birmingham dogs home. Definitely staffie and jack russell in him though.

The meds he's on are two supplements, viacutin plus which is essential fatty acids and vitamins etc and onychotin which is specific to brittle nails, and a human drug called trental which improves circulation to the limbs.
Apparently specialist said they have had good results with this treatment so fingers crossed in a few months he'll be able to go nuts with his doggy pals again!

Fortunately he takes all his pills ok, haven't lost a finger yet anyway

Haven't had his thyroid checked, might ask vet about that.

Thanks again guys xx

fingers crossed it all works well for him as it's a dreadful disease and so painful

It's more common in Greyhounds but any dog can get it my dog is a Rottweiler believe me she has no Greyhound in her whatsoever

I wouldn't waste your money on the thyroid test it's an auto immune disease.

Milo might never be 100% he will have to stay on the meds for life and may lose all his nails again my girl has lost hers twice but she is so much better now she doesn't scream if she catches a loose nail she's not lost any in a while but you will know when they're going at they suddenly go long and hollow.

Thanks Jackie! I know he'll be on his meds for life and if it improves his nails that's fine with me. I'm on paw licking watch currently as he licks his paws constantly, licks them raw. He has had his buster collar on when I'm at work etc for about a month but I want to leave it off as it's not the nicest thing to wear and he can't chew his bones or toys while I'm out and he loves chewing!
His licking has died down a bit now(2 weeks on meds) so I'm hopeful.

Glad to hear your rottie doesn't hurt too much when nails come off now. Milo is a right drama queen at the best of times so I'm sure you can imagine the trouble just cutting his nails at the moment!

Still, I'm glad I know what it is and got the ball rolling on treatment. Xx