Puppy with rare skin disease

Tiny Layla was found as stray in appalling condition, her skin was raw, she had almost no fur and she was obviously very uncomfortable. After weeks of tests and trying various medicines, we got the awful news that Layla was suffering from a rare skin disease. Klebsiella is an often drug-resistance bacteria which in Layla’s case has been coupled with a Staphylococcus infection. Because Layla’s immune system is so weak she has been unable to fight it off herself. We now have Layla on new course of medicine and bathing routine. We know that with the never ending love and support of her foster mom, Layla will be ready to go to her forever home in no time. Read below to find out about Layla’s adventures in foster.

I first met Layla when Shelter Chic sent out an email blast looking for a foster for her. They directed me to look at their post of her on Instagram, to make sure that I was aware of her condition and wouldn’t be intimidated by it. One look at her raggedy little tail shaking happily side to side and I knew I had to get her out of boarding and bring her home to give her the best environment for her to heal.
It did not take long to realize that despite the mange that had consumed her body, leaving most of it hairless and scabby, Layla has a heart of gold. It took a couple of weeks for her to feel completely comfortable and safe, but once she did, her extraordinarily warm and affectionate personality always shines through. Despite the neglect she received, this girl has a boundless puppy energy that comes out in spurts as we race down the hallways of the apartment building. She is always eager to make new four-legged friends as she pulls on the leash and hurriedly greets the newcomer with a sniff, and then excitedly nudges her little butt and wagging tail into their noses.
Despite her own physical discomfort with her continuously itchy skin and ear infection, she never falters in showing limitless affection, always insisting you give her more pets and wanting to curl up in your lap at all times. The vets always compliment Layla on being the ideal patient that calmly allows the vets to run their necessary tests. We have had multiple vet visits trying to find out what was causing her discomfort and numerous symptoms. Complications continued to arise in her journey to health with her being allergic to the initial topical shampoo treatment, and a misdiagnosis of the bacterial strains infecting her body. Although recent tests have allowed the vet (Thanks Dr. Romeiro!) to properly identify what bacteria are causing the infections, Layla has a long road ahead in terms of having a clean bill of health. With a daily dosage of antibiotics and different topical treatments as well as bleach spraying, Layla continues to need a lot of love and support as we find her furever home!

If you live in the NYC area and are interested in adopting Layla, please go to our website and complete an application to adopt.

Shelter Chic is a non-profit 501(c)(3) animal rescue. All donations go directly towards providing Layla with the help she needs. If you would like to make a donation to benefit our shelter in general or find out more about our organization, please visit our website ShelterChic.org