APPLE

~10 week old female spayed german shepherd mix puppy found running at large, who presented to shelter with severe hairloss, scale and redness. Differential diagnoses include mange, most likely demodectic mange (demodicosis), versus other causes of dermatitis. A skin scraping was performed and was negative, however false-negative results are possible and common, particularly in early or mild cases. The puppy was started on NexGard for possible parasitic causes (including mites), and antibiotics to address the secondary bacterial skin infection present. 2 week recheck was performed 1/5/26 and there is **signficant improvement**, supporting the idea that underlying issue was mites with seconary bacterial infection, though a definitive diagnosis has not been confirmed. Given lingering redness at paws and bacteria on the microscopic exam, antibiotics are being extended another 2 weeks. Hair will eventually regrow. The puppy is still on antibiotics and 2nd dose of nexgard is recommended in late January 1 month from first treatment.Available for adoption, also being placed on needs rescue non-urgent due to shelter being at critical overcapacity and to avoid prolonged stay during this critical socialization window.