From itchy paws to happy tails, discover the journeys of pets who’ve overcome skin and ear conditions with our specialist care. These are the stories that remind us why we do what we do.
Gracie, a lovely rescue dog from Spain, was seen by Ingrid after battling a chronic ear infection for 15 months. She had received ten different ear treatments with six different products. Her ears were very painful with a black slimy discharge, and she was quiet and depressed and constantly shaking her head. Her CT scan showed debris in her ear canal near the ear drum and the cartilage surrounding her ear canal showed signs of calcification (bone formation). Her ears were cleaned thoroughly with the help of the Storz video-otoscope. After a targeted treatment plan for her ears and underlying allergy, Gracie is now doing well. Her ear infection has resolved and most importantly she is no longer in pain and her tail has not stopped wagging since.
Hendrix, a sweet natured Hungarian Viszla of just 9 months old came to us with a 5-month history of progressive hair loss, dandruff and crusts all over. He was extremely itchy. Reading his history the day before, we were suspicious of ECLE, the rarest variant of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus that is mentioned in the textbooks, but you (almost, it turns out) never encounter. Hendrix’s “mum” had already investigated this herself and his condition was confirmed with biopsies. This immune mediated disease is challenging to treat and has a poor prognosis, but recent reports have shown a good response to one of the anti-itchiness drugs licensed for allergies. Hendrix will be on lifelong medication. Despite this, four years after diagnosing him, he is enjoying his walks and loves bouncing through the long grass.
Eric, a super friendly Labrador, had been struggling for months with constant itching, hair loss, and recurring skin infections. Despite multiple treatments, nothing seemed to bring lasting relief. When Eric came to us, with his trademark cuddly toy in his mouth, we performed a thorough allergy work-up and discovered he had an environmental allergy or atopic dermatitis. With a tailored plan including a food trial, immunotherapy, and medicated skincare, Eric’s condition has dramatically improved. These days, Eric is enjoying life near the beach—itch-free and enjoying the occasional doggy ice cream.
Archie, a charming Tibetan Terrier came to see us because of a change in coat. His groomers had noticed a greasy yellow strip on his back which had progressed over the following months to a pinkish discolouration of his coat. On further inspection the hairs on the earflaps were thinning and when lifted large pieces of dandruff and crusting were visible. He had a blood test at his first opinion vet which showed his thyroid function was fine. However, the hair had not grown back at the blood sample site. Biopsies were taken and confirmed our suspicion of sebaceous adenitis. This is a non-curable, but non-life-threatening disease destroying the sebaceous glands in his skin. Archie’s hair is back to the original white colour on his prescribed treatment and regular topical skin care.
Kobi, a laidback ragdoll came to see us with a 3-year history of crusting lesions on his face. We investigated the cause of his head pruritus (itchiness) and after skin samples, strict flea treatment and a food trial he was diagnosed with feline atopic skin syndrome. His condition is managed at home with an allergy vaccine. Currently, his face looks beautiful and crust-free. Additionally, his coat condition has improved, and he no longer brings up fur balls.
Albert, a 7-year old cheeky cross breed came to see us with a crusty nose and muzzle and loss of the black pigment. Ingrid had already met Albert when he was a little pup, about 3 months old. All these years ago he also had a swollen, crusty nose and was diagnosed with juvenile cellulitis or puppy strangles.
This time however biopsies showed that he had MCLE (mucocutaneous lupus erythematosus), a rare condition mostly seen in German Shepherd Dogs.
Albert will need long-term management, but is reacting well to treatment and his nose is looking beautiful and black once again.
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