An Edinburgh woman has been left anxious as her beloved dog has developed an unusual skin condition.
Robyn Kane, 25, from Liberton noticed her husky's fur was starting to fall out around six months ago and the skin was turning black. As the temperature plummets and snow flurries across Edinburgh, Robyn is worried how Echo will cope.
While huskies are known for adapting in cold and snowy conditions, Robyn is worried that with the loss of fur, that helps regulate Echo's body temperature, this winter will be a tough one for the pup.
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Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Robyn said: "I noticed there was a patch on his side where his undercoat had come out and his skin had turned black. It just happened overnight, and we do health checks regularly. I thought it was a bit strange, so I phoned the vet.
"We've been in and out of the vets since then. They've given us antibiotics and antibacterial washes and steroids. They first thought it was ringworm or dermatitis but they haven't had a clear diagnosis."
Along with patches of fur missing, Echo's unusual skin condition has reached around his eyes and mouth. "He sleeps so much more now," Robyn explained.
"I'm incredibly anxious and I feel so sorry for Echo. I wish there was more I could do. I am frustrated that it took so long to get the referral but I understand that the vets are really busy.
"Especially now that it's getting colder, I know he's a husky but they use their coat to regulate their temperature, so on walks and stuff, he needs walked over a long period of time but I'm a bit apprehensive. Echo doesn't even want to walk for as long now."
She added: "I know he's itchy and uncomfortable and every time I go to bed I have to put a cone on him."
"I've got an appointment at Royal Dick Vet to see a dermatologist specialist in January. But this appointments will cost £214.14 just to be seen and the tests and medications could cost up to a further £700 - £800, and there's just no way that I can pay all that."
She went on: "It's just come at a really bad time, everyone's struggling right now. I'm actually off work with mental health issues and all the savings I've got is £200 from when a relative died and I am really living hand to mouth right now."
"The PDSA have been great, but they can only help so much and insurance won't cover it. I am extremely grateful to everyone who has managed to help so far. I'm extremely protective over Echo and just want him better."
You can see more information at GoFundMe.
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