Suzy

Suzy came in to Sandhole to see vet Rai at the end of April and she looked a sorry state. This little Field Spaniel had very little hair and her skin was very sore and itchy.

Rai admitted her immediately. It was very important that the cause of this complaint was found quickly as she was clearly very uncomfortable. Under sedation Rai took samples of her skin both to send away to the laboratory and to examine in house to see if he could find a reason for this dramatic hair loss.

Looking under the microscope Rai was able to identify a type of mange mite called  Demodex. While this usually lives relatively normally in the skin a period of stress or general illness can cause  mite populations to dramatically increase. This condition is known as demodicosis.

Demodex Mite underneath a microscope

The treatment for this condition is long and a little arduous. Suzy has had to come into the surgery weekly for 5 weeks for a bath and application of treatment.

The wash used smells a little like nail polish remover and has to be left on the coat so Suzy has to be completely dry before she goes home.

Suzy was also on medication to help with her general skin condition and also painkillers to address any discomfort she would be feeling. Antibiotics were also included to prevent any infection of her open wounds.

She has been a model patient and as the pictures below show I'm sure you'll agree that her recovery has been incredible.

and 5 weeks later ...

Congratulations Suzy! Our Braveheart for May

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