Ladybug is hoping to head to her forever home soon, but not before a severe case of mange is treated. (BC SPCA)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

skin condition

‘She’s making really great progress:’ severe mite infestation latest setback for Nanaimo’s young Ladybug

Oct 24, 2022 | 1:05 PM

NANAIMO — Ladybug needs a little love.

The five-month-old Labrador cross came to the Nanaimo & District BC SPCA branch recently showing a bad case of mange, a skin disease caused by an infestation of mites.

Angela Howard, an animal care attendance with the branch, told NanaimoNewsNOW she was brought in last week as a humane officer surrender with crusting around her eyes and snout, as well as hair loss and other skin issues.

“It’s essentially a skin infection with bacteria and yeast. She’s incredibly itchy and on five different medications at the moment.”

Exams by veterinarians also found bacteria and yeast on her skin, enlarged lymph nodes, conjunctivitis and discharge in both eyes.

Shorthanded

Clippers fall short hosting Bulldogs

3h ago

off the schedule

BC Ferries preemptively cancels early Saturday sailings

10h ago

firm handshake

B.C. NDP government, Greens reach 'shared priorities' agreement

13h ago

Despite an initial round of treatment, the itching persisted and forced Ladybug back for more care.

“We suspect she was living primarily outside before and essentially just exposed to a lot of bacteria and yeast and not having proper nutrition and support just let the infection (thrive),” Howard added.

Ladybug is on a two-bath-per-week routine along with her medications.

Her prognosis is very positive as she’s currently living at a foster home while her condition clears.

“It’s unfortunate because she’s at such a young age, vulnerable and she’s been through a lot already but she’s making really great progress and we’re helping out any way we can.”

After she recovers, likely over the next six to eight weeks, she’ll be spayed and made available for adoption to a forever family.

Mange is not a re-occurring condition provided dogs receive the proper care and attention, and no special long-term care directly related to it is expected.

The SPCA is calling for donations to help in the cost of Ladybug’s recovery, which is well and above the typical pet which passes through the Nanaimo branch.

Donations can be made through the BC SPCA website.

Ladybug is a five month old Labrador cross with a severe case of mange. It’s hoped medication will help clear it up. (BC SPCA)

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW