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When Ziggy came into the care of Labrador Rescue South East & Central he had such severe allergies which made him very sore and itchy, a quick fix was never going to be possible. As well as the allergies, he had a bad bacterial skin infection which didn’t respond to the usual treatment approach despite the best efforts of the veterinary professionals and the care given by his foster mum. From his previous notes, his original owner’s had taken him to see the vet but the allergies and skin problems had been going on for most of his adult life and at the age of 6, he was half bald from where he had licked or scratched to try and give himself some relief from the discomfort.
Now, nine months since he was taken on by LRSE&C, he is staying with his new mum on the assisted adoption program and is under the care of a dermatology specialist. His infections were due to several different bacteria which has been very unpleasant and uncomfortable for him and further tests have determined that he reacts to 10 different allergens, mostly grasses, so even doing normal Labrador stuff like going for a run in the fields will trigger an allergic reaction for Ziggy. In himself, he is a daft, affectionate, happy boy who loves cuddles and shredding toys and going out exploring, unaware that the outside world is what makes him itch.
Baldy Dog Ziggy Update, January 2019
It’s a new year and for Ziggy, that means new fur! After many long months of visits to the vets, the dermatology specialist and different tests and treatments, Ziggy’s skin problems are now stabilised and he is doing really well.
Thorough testing showed that he is severely allergic to 8 different grasses and pollens as well as house dust mite and leaf mould. Added to the allergies, Ziggy also had numerous bacterial skin infections which were resistant to normal antibiotics and it took several months of treatment to get the infections under control.
Ziggy has had blood tests, skin scrapings, swabs and skin biopsies taken yet at every stage, he has been as sweet and gentle as always, being a Very Good Boy for the vet and letting her do the tests needed. We have had so many medications and shampoo’s, dips for his skin, flea treatments and special food, all to get to the bottom of his problems.
Needless to say, all this veterinary treatment does not come cheap and thankfully LRSE&C have been supporting Ziggy and his skin problems since he was taken on by the charity back in August 2017. Through the generous donations and fundraising, the charity have covered his costs which have been thousands of pounds and his ongoing medication is around £200 per month.
The severity of is allergies means he will need the support of LRSE&C for the rest of his life but he is such a wonderful boy, we hope he will be a great ambassador for rescue Labradors.