When 12-year-old Nikky arrived to BTRC, she was in pretty rough shape. Her skin had itchy bald spots and crusty patches. She was squinting and her eyes were irritated and sore.
Nikky immediately started treatment for her skin condition. Diagnosed with Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), or dry eye, she also began a regimen of daily eye medications.
Nikky will continue to need periodic medicated baths, topical treatment, a special prescription diet, and anti-itch medication to manage her allergies. Two medications to address her eye condition will be required lifelong.
Despite significant hearing and vision loss, Nikky has flourished under the loving care of her foster family. Recognizing her remarkable progress and considering her age and specific special needs, we are happy to officially welcome Nikky into our Set for Life program. And Nikky is overjoyed to know that she is forever home. ❤
This is Nikky. Though you’ve already met her, we decided to introduce her again because you might not recognize her. Since coming into foster care, she’s had quite the transformation!
Nikky is looking and feeling great. When she first arrived at her foster home, her skin was in such bad shape that it was bleeding and she had bald spots and crusty patches. Her eyes were also in need of care as they were dry and painful. With a diet change and a regimented schedule of medication, eyedrops, baths and a topical mousse (mixed with the TLC of her dedicated foster parents), Nikky is finally feeling relief. Eye drops used to be a challenge, but now she sits patiently, lifts her head up for her foster dad and takes the drops like a champ. Bathtime has become easier too – likely because Nikky’s sense of trust is strong, and she feels safe with her foster parents. And now that she is feeling more comfortable, the true Nikky has emerged – a loving, playful and energetic girl!
Nikky loves to be outside – she is great on leash, has perfected the art of sunbathing and enjoys the smells in the backyard. This girl is also a talker – she will let it be known when it’s time to play and her foster dad readily complies – how can he not when a face that cute is looking at him? Her foster parents say that Nikky is a quick learner and has adapted well to her new routine. She even resists the urge to jump during mealtime and instead sits like a good girl with her tail wagging like it has a motor. Nikky gets along with her canine foster brother but is still trying to navigate how to play given her limited vision. Though Nikky’s days are filled with lots of exciting things, what she cares about most is being next to her humans. Wherever they are is where she wants to be. ❤
Another cute fact about Nikky – she has a signature walk! She wiggles her bum and has some serious swagger. Maybe it’s because at her last vet visit, they said she looked like an entirely different dog. Upon hearing this, she felt very glamorous and now thinks that every walkway is her very own runway. You deserve it, Nikky. Strutt your stuff girl!
Nikky is being fostered in the Central Huron region of Ontario and is not yet ready for adoption.
12-year-old Nikky has just come into BTRC’s care. With her significant vision and hearing loss, getting to know her new surroundings is a bit more challenging, so she’ll may need a little extra time to feel at home.
Nikky has already seen the vet, as her skin needed immediate attention. Testing revealed that her bald and crusty patches are caused by an overgrowth of yeast and bacteria, resulting in a deep infection that makes her itchy and uncomfortable. She is now on an oral antibiotic, a drug to relieve the itch, and a new diet. A topical medication and medicated baths will treat the infection externally.
Nikky’s dedicated foster family has to follow quite a daily regimen, as they must also administer two additional eye medications to treat inflammation and increase tear production. We hope this treatment plan will get Nikky quickly on the road to feeling better, and that we’ll have a positive update to share with you soon.
Despite it all, Nikki is warming up to her new people and enjoying time in the yard, sniffing and sunbathing. ☼
Nikky is being fostered in the Central Huron region of Ontario and is not yet ready for adoption.
