Money is a five-year-old French bulldog who was surrendered to Lort Smith when his previous carers moved overseas. With itchy skin, inflamed ears and some spinal issues, our shelter vets knew Money had a long course of treatment ahead of him.
Dr Anthony diagnosed Money with generalised atopic skin disease, a skin condition caused by allergies, which in turn led to an infection in both ears called otitis externa. This caused Money so much swelling and discomfort that he needed two weeks of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medication before Dr Anthony could even see into his ears.
"Money wasn't in great shape when I first saw him. He must have been hurting – his ears were so sore and inflamed, and he wasn't happy when I tried to examine him," Dr Anthony remembers.
Money's condition is ongoing, and he will need special ongoing care for his ears and skin – but Emily's great, and she can do it all from home.
Dr Anthony
Step by step
Money was prescribed steroids, and while they worked their magic, he was bathed with a medicated shampoo to help his skin. He also started a special diet, Hill's Prescription Diet z/d for Skin/Food Sensitivities, formulated to support dogs with skin and food sensitivities.
When Money came back a few weeks later, Dr Anthony found his skin was slightly better, but his ear canals were still swollen and sore. Suspecting damage from chronic infections, Dr Anthony decided Money needed his ears examined under general anaesthetic, and a CT scan of his head. Both would help assess the extent of the damage to his ear canals.
Dr Anthony found Money had extensive ear damage, and needed treatment straight away. He trialled Money on an antibiotic and steroid solution, made in-house at Lort Smith. Dr Anthony wasn't sure it would be enough to avoid complex surgery, but within a few weeks, Money's ears were looking much healthier, and the infection was clearing.
Home with Emily
Money was lucky to have an amazing foster carer, Emily, support him through all his treatment and recovery. The bond Emily formed with Money was so special that she couldn't bear the thought of letting him go. When he was ready for adoption, Emily was the obvious choice.
"Money's condition is ongoing, and he will need special ongoing care for his ears and skin – but Emily's great, and she can do it all from home," explains Dr Anthony. "He's in great hands."
Money is now feeling like a million bucks, thanks to the combined efforts of Lort Smith staff and volunteers, and our generous donors.