27/11/2025
March 15, 2025 (257 days ago), we got a call about an emaciated, stray, hairless dog walking by the interstate. A lady contacted us and secured the poor pup.
Lily and I jumped in the car and drove almost 6 hours roundtrip to bring this baby to safety and to the vet.
In my lab, we did a skin scrape, and it showed only staph infection. I was certain Demodex (non-contagious) mange was present. I started her on antibiotics and med for Demodex... and treated her ears for yeast with Otikpak. We also started bi-weekly medicated baths.
We took her to Dr Mayes, and he found the same thing under his microscope. We changed her antibiotic and rechecked in 30 days. No changes.
Another skin scrape, same results. 3rd skin scrape showed DEMODEX. Changed up her meds, added an anti-fungal to the mix for yeast filled ears, and a new medicated shampoo.
She was not getting any better. We had also eliminated chicken, beef, wheat, corn, etc from her diet. We also lathered her in coconut oil for momentary relief.
We then took her a little farther down the road to Dr Cornelius. He recommend a skin punch for deep skin testing (to check for cancers and skin infections). We also did a second skin biopsy test for allergies and resistance to medications.
While waiting for results, Dr C tried prednisone and docycycline.
This is the best her skin looked. It dried up, but if truly Demodex, you can't give a dog pred with mange.
The tests found Demodex (which we'd been treating for 6 months already), and the tests found lots of drug resistance!
The vet upped her Heartgard Plus to every 2 weeks, for 8 weeks to attack the Demodex.. nothing helped, still!
I have felt so guilty for not being able to help her!!
$900+ spent so far, and no answers for her. In all, eight skin scrapes, 9 meds, and countless baths.
I was talking with a friend and adopter of mine, and he recommended a canine dermatologist from Auburn, AL. He practices in Birmingham once a month.
We booked the appt ($115 office visit) with Dr MacDonald and crossed our fingers.
November 12, we headed to Birmingham for her appt, bottle puppies in tow.
Dr Mac was also stumped! In 40 years, he'd never seen anything like this.
He recommended $1,100 more for testing... I left the office crying. We don't have that kind of funds to retest everything, again.
I was considering humane euthanasia. I felt she didn't want to suffer anymore!
The next day- the vet's assistant called and recommended medicated baths and 4 new compounded medications from Wedgewood Pharmacy.
He send the shampoos complimentary.
The costs of these medications with shipping total $428.50. (Some last just one months and some lasts 2 months.)
PLEASE HELP! This is Nani's only hope of healing and living a wonderful, itch-free life.
She has to wear a shirt 24/7 to keep from bloodying her sides up.
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TLWHRescue
15210 Davis Rd
Athens, AL 35611
If you have any questions, please call Maggie 256.800.3325.
