Glasgow dog joins our Sponsor A Pet campaign

12 April 2018

A dog who is receiving vital treatment from our Glasgow Shamrock Street Pet Hospital has become the latest star of a national fundraising campaign.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Harry, from Clydebank, was just 12-months-old when he began suffering from a chronic and distressing skin condition.

Owner Karla Bainbridge (36) said: "I noticed that Harry was scratching his skin a lot and it started to bleed. He developed scabs on his back and seemed very uncomfortable so I took him to PDSA.

"My previous dog Nico, who was also as Staffy, had a similar problem although although his condition was far less severe. Harry suffers all over his body, even between his paws."

Vets at our Shamrock Street Pet Hospital diagnosed Harry with atopic dermatitis and Karla was told he would need daily medication for the rest of his life to keep it under control.

Susie Hermit, PDSA senior vet, said: "Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition associated with allergies, and causes itchy, swollen and cracked, red skin that can get infected. This very uncomfortable and painful condition can thankfully be managed with life-long treatment and careful supervision.

“Harry has steroid medication every day to help with any itching. Alongside PDSA’s specially formulated medicated shampoo and a closely monitored diet, his symptoms are eased, allowing him to live a happy life.”

Atopic dermatitis can be triggered by harmless substances such as grass, mould spores and house dust mites. Commonly affected areas include the ears, feet, the muzzle and stomach, although in severe cases it can affect the whole body.

Karla, who lives with her two children Alana (11), and Marc (2), said their pet Harry was an important member of the family and that they had been rocked by his diagnosis. However, she said she was grateful for the ‘amazing’ treatment and care he has received from PDSA.

She said: “I’ve had Harry since he was a puppy. My daughter named him Harry as she was obsessed with the band One Direction and loved Harry Styles.”

“Harry is a lovely dog and he’s absolutely brilliant with the kids. At first it was hard to adapt to the fact Harry needed tablets every day. I would try and mix it up with his food but he would be too clever and eat everything in his bowl, leaving just the bit with the tablet in. Now we have our routine and he takes his pills happily.”

“Using the medicated shampoo was also a bit of a challenge, it was almost like having a third child! But with time baths have become easier and the vets and nurses at PDSA have been so supportive throughout the whole process.”

“I can’t thank them enough. Without the charity’s help we wouldn’t have been able to afford Harry’s ongoing treatment. Knowing that PDSA is there for us is a huge relief.”

Animal lovers can now sponsor Harry’s treatment as part of our Sponsor A Pet programme. For more information about how to sponsor Harry, call 0800 019 9166 or see pdsa.org.uk/harry

Glasgow Shamrock Street PDSA Pet Hospital provides nearly 90,000 treatments to sick and injured pets in the city every year and can see up to 220 pets a day.