He did test negative for tick diseases, that was the first thing my vet thought we were dealing with too.  It's crazy how similar so many of these diseases are!  I'm glad to hear your girl was just fine though! 

Really the only sure proof way to test for Lupus is skin punches. This is what I had them do to Pongo when he started showing signs (I have Lupus too so I went through it). Blood tests are not always correct. Dr Casel has helped so much with getting the info out there and hooking us up with the anti malaria drug. I have done alot of herbal research and spoken to some vets that do Chinese herbals too. Alot of it is figuring out when the dog is going to cycle in. Each dog seems to have a different thing that they do before they have an episode. My dogs sisters' eyes would get red, Pongo cant catch his ball and Ace stares at walls. When Pongo starts missing his ball catches then I will up his herbs and start him on steroids. The weather will bring them into a cycle also. And stress/trama/excitement/different environment will too. So before we go camping (which he just loves), I will put him on 15 mgs of streoids because I know he will cycle on the second day of camping. It is all about observing each dog and working with this nasty disease. It is also about stopping these breeders who know the lines not to mix. I am determined to help owners and give them hope. I also hope to figure out how to get these guys into remisssion (I am a very determined person) 

I posted this thread almost two years ago, so was surprised to get some reply notifications on it out of the blue!  But yes, Petey was formally diagnosed with Lupus via skin biopies and a DNA marker as his ANA came back negative.  He is almost 10 years old now and is doing VERY well!  He has only had two very minor skin flare-ups in the last two years that respond immediately to steriods and no joint flare-ups since this thread was originally posted.  He is not on any medication right now and has not been for months.  He is put on steroids only when needed for skin flare-ups and then weaned off again.  I only treat with a good diet (he eats raw as do all my dogs) and joint supplements.  His fur is full and healthy, exceedingly rare for this disease.  We believe he has a very mild version of it as he didn't have a flare-up until 7 years old and is almost 10 years old now.  This is traditionally a young disease.  He was a rescue, so his breeding background is unfortunately not known. 

A few recent pics of Petey playing with my Boston Terriers in the backyard!

That is awesome that he is doing great! He was most likely the first litter of that breeding. My guy was out of the second breeding of the same parents. The first litter only had 1 pup with mild Lupus and is fine. My pup and another were affected in the second litter really bad. His sister had to be put down a year  and half ago Please look up Pongo's FB page and share your story. I would really appreciate it and I know others would too! Again, just search Pongo German Shorthair Pointer Lupus and like his page please. It really would mean alot to me and others that you share his story to give others hope. I also truely believe in raw diet and believe it helps.

Thank you!