Huxley’s recovery after neglect

A young dog rescued from Mitchell’s Plain and later rehomed in Fish Hoek is now living a transformed life after arriving at Tears Animal Rescue in what staff described as one of the worst mange cases they had ever seen.

- ERIN CARELSE

Huxley was surrendered in February, covered in severely damaged, thickened skin that Tears staff said looked as though he had been "dipped in cement".

He was diagnosed with severe demodectic mange, a condition caused by microscopic mites which, when unchecked due to neglect, can lead to hair loss, painful sores and constant itching.

Tears junior marketing manager Dylan Malander says the condition left Huxley in extreme discomfort and unable to rest properly, with his chances of recovery initially uncertain.

“The odds may have been against this mutt, but TEARS was determined to turn things around for Huxley.”

What followed was an intensive medical and care programme.

According to Malander, Huxley required “an extraordinary commitment” in terms of staff time, medication, nutrition and daily care.

He was bathed every four days using Sebbam medicated shampoo to soothe inflamed skin and support healing.