Marley, an 8-year-old pit bull terrier, had spent over half her life struggling with skin issues. Painful pustules, nodules, and draining skin lesions would rupture, heal temporarily, and then recur.
What initially appeared to be a seasonal issue gradually progressed into a year-round condition, significantly impacting her comfort and quality of life. Despite repeated courses of antibiotics, steroids, and diet trials, her disease continued to flare.
Marley’s frustrated family eventually brought her to the UF College of Veterinary Medicine Dermatology Service to undergo a comprehensive dermatologic evaluation, including skin scrapings, fungal cultures, bacterial cultures, and advanced diagnostics such as skin biopsies with tissue cultures.
“These tests revealed a complex underlying problem: Marley was affected not only by allergic skin disease, but also by benign hair follicle tumors that were triggering chronic inflammation and secondary infections,” said Dr. Jennifer Zamora, who treated Marley at UF CVM Dermatology. “This combination explained why her condition had been so difficult to control in the past.”
With an accurate diagnosis in hand, Marley’s care team developed a tailored, multimodal treatment plan that addressed all components of her disease, including allergy management, immune modulation, infection control, and skin barrier support. Over the course of multiple visits, her therapy was carefully adjusted to find the right balance of systemic medications, topical treatments, and allergen-specific immunotherapy.
Today, Marley’s skin disease is well controlled.
“Her itch score has dramatically improved—from severe flares to a mild, manageable level—and she no longer suffers from the painful draining lesions that once defined her daily life,” Dr. Zamora said. “While her condition requires ongoing management, Marley is now comfortable, stable and enjoying a much better quality of life.
“Marley’s case is a wonderful example of how persistence, advanced diagnostics, and individualized dermatologic care can make a life-changing difference for patients and their families, even after years of frustration and failed treatments.”
Marley’s grateful owner, Kathy Armitage, adds: “Dr. Zamora has been amazing and has helped us get our Marley back!”
