Meet "Mara"

“Mara”

“Mara,” a 2-3 month old, female, intact Pit Bull presented to the Animal Emergency Room by the City of San Antonio’s Animal Care Services (ACS) for examination. She exhibited generalized skin disease, leaving her essentially no hair, and had one episode of diarrhea. No history was available on “Mara”; however, she was assumed to be a stray. Upon presentation to he AER, Denise developed an immediate attachment to her leading enrollment into a foster program.

On physical examination, other than the skin condition, “Mara” appeared to be healthy. Mara received a variety of tests, which concluded that she had Demodex canis (a mange mite), a generalized skin infection, and intestinal parasites.   Fortunately, all things that should respond well to a nursing care, proper nutrition, and a good home.

The opening treatment regimen included daily ivermectin administration, systemic antibiotics for secondary pyoderma, follicular flushing with daily ketoconazole/chlorhexidine shampoo baths for secondary bacterial dermatitis, diphenhydramine as needed for pruritis, topical therapy for control of otitis externa, and administration of parasiticides.

Mara’s clinical improvement was evident by one month into treatment with development of new healthy follicular hair growth on the face. Within two months of treatment, there was new hair growth covering 98% of her body.   To date, “Mara” has been adopted by Denise who continues to provide her with the happy, healthy home that she deserves.