Once any sign of the sore feet appear the puppy needs to start on the medication that she( I'll say she as all mine have been girls) the essential thing to take on board is that this regime MUST continue for all of her life. some however manage on a lower dose than others, particularly if it is started before the puppy gets in a pickle as, for instance Lucy did. The drugs that work are CEPOREX antibiotic, (Ceporex is the old fashioned 1st generation pink pill) it seems to work far better than the "better" newer ones, and MEDRONE, an anti-inflammatory. I have had problems with PREDNISOLONE with thinning skin and gastric ulcers, they say Medrone is the same drug, but in use this is what I have found happens. ALSO keep the dog on a good insecticidal spot-on such as PROMERIS or ADVANTAGE, as using steroids allows the Demodex mite free rein to multiply, use every 4 to 6 weeks On these drugs she will be able to have a pain-free life, like any bullie each one varies in character....some are very outgoing and some shy and home-loving. Realise now that the puppy needs routine and loving contact much more than any bullie you have ever come across before, she also feels the cold far more as well and will certainly need a heat pad or heat lamp over her bed even indoors. Outdoors a whole wardrobe of woollies and coats are needed, my Morsal resembled a tortoise when togged up for her quick exit for pee-times !

Outdoors times are brief in winter.....warmth is so important to these little bullies, but summertime  means  sunbathing and "working on that tan" to the exclusion of any interruptions. Zincies are very very focused and resent  any interference in their devotion to the sun, lizard like they absorb its rays and ignore anything that may be going on! I can remember one person  saying Hello old girl, how are you?" to Smidge mid sun-bathe, she just opened one eye and quickly shut it again!

Life-span varies and anything from 18 months to 4yrs is achieved, some may live longer....the less steroid they can manage on the better. While they definitely cannot do without drugs it is a matter of balancing  a comfortable life against length of life. I believe it is very unkind to keep Zincies alive and uncomfortable, and  a short happy  life is much better. Adopting Lucy  I was able see just how appalling this Lethal Acrodermatitus (to give the proper name of the condition) can be if completely neglected. However it does not need to be a death sentence......far from it, Zincies embrace life with joy, they are captivating and addictive. If things aren't going exactly to plan they can throw an enormous wobbly.....and then in a trice revert back to happy play again! First and foremost they must have routine ,meals..cuddle-times, everything routine. In fact they must come first , before your other bullies, just like any special needs child. Once you have committed to the new little one it will be the beginning of a journey of discovery that you will never regret. We are thoroughly enjoying our little waif Lucy...just as we knew we would.

The last three little people at the bottom of my gallery are my past LAD babies, who now run free in bully heaven.