What is Discoid Lupus Erythematosus?
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) is an autoimmune disease, also known as Lupus. DLE creates a skin condition in dogs that typically causes a loss of colour, (discolouration), on the hairless part of the nose, such as a black nose fading to grey or pink.
The surrounding skin may also be affected, and the discolouration can be accompanied by ulcers and bleeding. Symptoms of DLE can be missed and remain undiagnosed until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Two types of lupus occur in domestic dogs - discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
What is Nasal Solar Dermatitis?
This type of collie nose, which worsens in the summertime, is caused by too much sun exposure. Nasal Solar Dermatitis can create weepy, crusty skin on the nose. Although it can affect different breeds of dogs, it predominately affects Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, and other related breeds. If left untreated, the crusty skin can start on the end of the nose, but then travel up over the bridge, and to the mouth and eyelid area.
Symptoms of collie nose
Paleness of the skin on the nose
Skin redness
Skin scaling and flaking
Skin erosions (sores
Skin ulcerations
Skin crusting
Scarring
Painful to touch
Prevention
The first step to preventing Collie Nose is to keep the dog out of very bright sun, limiting exposure to UV light, as well as covering the area with a dog-safe SPF sunscreen.
Diet also factors into prevention and aiding the healing process. Feeding your dog raw food improves the whole digestive system - when you’ve got the dog's stomach working the way nature intended, everything improves. Removing what shouldn’t be in a dog’s food intake, is a sure way to look after, and improve your dog’s coat and skin.
Any canine affected with Collie Nose benefits from being fed a natural, raw diet, with no packaged or tinned or containing preservatives.
We’ve seen amazing results with our recommended diet in dogs who have had skin conditions for years.
McDowells Herbal Program
Collie Nose Internal - The herbs in this formula have been traditionally used to nourish and support the immune system and promote healthy skin. This mix has been specifically formulated for dogs suffering the effects of Discoid Lupis or Collie Nose and is best used in conjunction with our Collie Nose Ointment or Collie Nose Topical.
Collie Nose Ointment - Made in a pawpaw base that includes Hypericum, Calendula, Elecampane, Pine Bark, Chamomile and Thuja, along with the Bach Flowers, Walnut and Rescue Remedy, this ointment with assist with healing, and strengthen the dog's ability to rejuvenate the cells of the nose.
Collie Nose Topical - This product is designed to be applied to sore noses and may be beneficial if your dog’s nose is too sore to apply a cream or ointment. The Collie Nose Topical can be sprayed on with an atomiser mist spray or dropped on with the dropper.
Maritime Pine Bark – An excellent source of flavonoids with anti-inflammatory properties that work to protect the body from harmful free radicals, Maritime Pine Bark is a natural antioxidant. It helps boost the immune system and strengthens blood vessel walls and capillaries. This specialist antioxidant is nearly 25 times more powerful than Vitamin C, and boosts how the body uses the vitamin.
