Nadia, an approximately 4 year old female basset hound, came to GGBR from the Kings County Shelter where she was an unclaimed stray. Her skin was rough, itchy, smelly and she was missing hair over much of her body.

Immediately upon intake, Nadia was also diagnosed with pyometra, a serious infection of the uterus, requiring emergency lifesaving surgery. That surgery was performed on June 13. 

It was initially presumed that Nadia was afflicted with demodex, a skin condition which is caused by the proliferation of mites. However, no mites have been found. Consequently, the exact cause of Nadia's skin condition is still not known. At this point, her dermatologist suspects an allergic reaction to the naturally occurring yeast on her skin, as well as to a possible environmental allergen. Nadia is on twice-daily oral medication and a weekly medicated bath. Her bedding is washed weekly, as well. 

The dark coloring on Nadia's face and lower body are not her coat; they are her bare skin. Much of her body and face still has no hair. Even after 4 months of treatment, no significant hair growth has taken place. However, her skin is now smoother and less itchy. Her doctor suspects that the long term damage done to Nadia's skin may prevent her hair coat from coming back completely; she may always have some bald spots.

This sweet girl will be undergoing treatment for her skin condition for some time. As of October 2023, we are still looking forward to a definitive diagnosis being made for this needy houndie, so we will know whether she will require lifelong medication and treatment to keep her comfortable and keep the odor under control, or whether the irritation and odor will eventually resolve and no longer require medication and frequent baths.