Please take a look at the photo album showing a progression of skin disease, starting with demodex mites (caused by suppressed immune system), bacterial infection and yeast infections....and ending with a diagnosis of PF (read below).  There are over 200 pictures.

Watch back for a complete bio on what our veterinary team feels was the cause of this.

As of April 12, 2007, we are awaiting the results of several skin biopsies to determine a more conclusive diagnosis.

The results are in.  We were surprised to find she has conclusive diagnosis of Pemphigus Foliaceus, ("PF") an autoimmune disease.   We had never heard of this condition so the research began.  In a nutshell, Diva's own body is attacking itself and is recognizing her skin as the 'enemy' which must be killed.  To find out all about PF, please click on the link below.  This information was put together by the Akita Club of America who granted permission to include their info. on our web site.  Thank you ACA!

PEMPHIGUS FOLIACEUS - .pdf

PEMPHIGUS FOLIACEUS - Word doc

DEMODEX MITES, Demodectic Mange - .pdf

DEMODEX MITES - Word doc
 

Jennifer Anderson, DVM
Wilsonville Veterinary Clinic
9275 Barber St.
Wilsonville, OR 97070

Amy Randall, DVM, MS, Dipl ACVD
Board Certified - Allergy & Dermatology
Animal Allergy & Ear Clinic
4100 SW 109th Ave.
Beaverton, OR 97005

Regina Tobin, DVM, DACVIM
Board Certified in  Internal Medicine,
Subspecialty in Endocrinology
Cascade Veterinary Referral Center
Tigard, OR

Bent Tail Brewing Co.

Joni & Keith Bott, owners of Bent Tail Brewing Co. in Portland, OR have donated dozens of jars of home-canned fresh-caught deep pacific tuna.  This product is packed with natural fish oils and omega fatty acids that have shown to be critical in Diva's skin improvement. They use no preservatives or additives.  As of this writing, Diva's skin is almost cleared up.  Although she is still suffering from PF, her skin leisions are held at bay with just a tablespoon or two a day of Bent Tail Brewing's canned tuna!  At one point, we ran out for 5 days and she started getting sores on her skin again. I emailed Joni and then had to run some errands. . .when I got home I was surprised to find 2 cases of canned tuna on my doorstep!  Joni & Keith personally catch, clean and can this fish in jars.  We wish them the best as they embark on this business adventure. 
Diva THANKS YOU TOO!