Digby was a happy 24-month old pit bull mix who United Hope for Animals rescued from a high-intake shelter. Digby was an excellent dog. He got along great with dogs, large and small. He lived in a foster home with cats, and was gentle and polite with them. He was housebroken and well-mannered in the house, and walked well on leash. Digby was a kissing bandit who smooched everyone. He loved going o
n walks, playing with other dogs, and cuddling. He was all around just a great guy, and loved by many, especially his foster moms. We rescued Digby from a shelter, where he arrived as a stray suffering from severe generalized demodectic mange. Demodectic mange is not contagious to people or other animals. In fact, all dogs have the mites that cause mange on their skin. Veterinarians now believe that some dogs have abnormalities in their genes that prevent their bodies from keeping the population of mites under control. For dogs with this genetic abnormality, suppressed immune systems, or who have experienced malnutrition or stress, the demodectic mites colonize to such a degree that symptoms like hair loss and skin inflammation develop. This is what has happened to Digby. Generalized mange is treated with pharmaceuticals, topical treatments, and supplements to regulate immune function. Digby has made an excellent recovery, and is fully "re-furred." Supplements to support immune function should be given life-long, and most vets recommend a grain-free or raw diet for dogs with a history of generalized mange. Four months after being rescued, and weeks after his total recovery from mange, Digby tragically died unexpectedly due to internal bleeding from an undiagnosed blood clotting disorder. He is sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Donations to off-set the extensive costs of Digby's care, and the rescue of other dogs from high-kill shelters who have special medical needs, can be made at https://donation.towercare.com/support-united-hope-animals or via PayPal to [email protected]. Please note that your donation is in memory of Digby.
