Big ol' Bessie

New Leash on Life is committed to rescuing dogs that wouldn't be given another chance.  We are known for rescuing elder bulls and medical cases, and Bessie fits the bill.  She's a bit older and was waiting for us to grab her from ACC (Animal Care & Control), we couldn't pass that sweet face.  Once we got her to our vet we had her thoroughly checked, we found out that Bessie may need some extra medical testing. 

We originally just thought she was a big girl, more for everyone to love at a mere 98 pounds.  However, we found that her weight trouble wasn't from overfeeding, it may be something more internally.  Immediately our Medical Director along with the vet staff at VCA started blood tests to identify what could be troubling our girl.  They noticed on external exam that her liver seemed enlarged, they also noticed that she was drinking LOTS of water and gobbling up her food.  Because of these signs, we tested her liver for Cushings.

Cushings is hard to identify, many of the signs are also signs of older aging so many owners think that it's just their dog showing signs of age.  The signs include: increased water intake, ravenous appetite, pot-bellied appearance, and hair loss.  Cushings disease typically effects older dogs but it can appear as early as 5 years old and is mainly in smaller breeds, however, we test our larger dogs as well.  Please note: Cushings does not show up in regular blood tests, and has to be specifically tested.

Bessie's liver results came back high, but not high enough for Cushings, it could be an early indicator, so we are treating it as a precautionary. 

During testing, we noticed Bessie was developing bruising on her chest, just under the skin.  This worried our Medical Director (because of earlier liver testing) and decided to get an ultrasound done, thankfully, nothing showed up on the ultrasound.  Bessie also had a raging upper respiratory infection and tested positive for Lyme disease.  Lyme disease is something that she is a carrier, however, doesn't necessarily HAVE it.  She is currently on antibiotics for all, and we are running a PCR, the test that determines if her Lyme disease is active. 

We are happy to report that Bessie's respiratory infection is all cleared up, her water intake has slowed down and she is being checked regularly for her liver levels.  This shows that we may think we are taking a healthy dog, and further examination shows a pup that needs a lot of TLC. 

While this post may seem sad, Bessie is no worse for the wear and is LOVING her new foster home with foster sister, Ms. M and foster brother, Mr. B of Two Pitties in the City.  She is happy-go-lucky and feeling 100% better than when we first got her.  We are so happy to have Bessie as a part of the NLOL family and can't wait to find her a forever home!

Bessie is currently on a weight loss diet and has lost 8 pounds!  She is being fed Sojo's dehydrated fruits and veggies.  For more information on her diet, check out: Bessie's Diet and for more information regarding adoption an elderbull, check out this post here: On the Secrets of Elderbulls.

If you would like to donate towards Bessie's medical needs, please click the link here, and in the note section, mention Bessie!

Chemical Burns and Pups.

Little Miss Pancake squeezed her way in with one of our recent trips to ACC (Animal Care & Control).  She's a puggle and her little body was covered in chemical burns.  We couldn't pass up this sweet pup that needed extra attention to treat her open wounds. 
Puggles were bred quite rapidly a few years back, but with the decrease in interest in that mix breed, many are abandoned or dropped off at the pound. Pancake has a lost history, not sure if it was by accident, trying to get rid of extra puppies, a bad owner, or misguided people that found her, either way- she came with chemical burns over her back and some on her head.  The chemicals had burned their way through her fur and past her skin. 

There isn't much information about chemical burns/ how to treat/ dogs.  Probably because the large majority of the world would never think to do such a thing to an innocent animal, however, most articles say to wash thoroughly with water to dilute the chemical and see the vet immediately. 

We talked with Gordon's forever parents about chemical burns for further help.  Gordon came from One Tail at a Time Rescue in Chicago.  When he first arrived, he had chemical burns covering the majority of his little pit bull body.  He walks with many of our alums and adoptable dogs with Chicago Sociabulls on Sundays.  Gordon's parents were incredibly helpful when talking about things they do to help Gordon and some of the tips they have learned. 

They use lotion to help with cracking and overall flexibility of the tender skin.  Gordon's hair (like Pancake) will not grow back in some places, so the exposed skin needs to be treated just like human skin.  It gets dry in the winter and they use Aquaphor on his back.  It's a bit of a thicker lotion and can be found almost anywhere, Walgreens, Target, etc.  For a lighter lotion, they use Eucerin for sensitive skin.  After applying lotions, put a tshirt on the dog to avoid rubbing off on furniture, etc.

Gordon's forever parents use tshirts a lot.  This helps with sun exposure as well as making sure he doesn't scratch or rub to vigerously inside his crate.  Since his wounds have healed a lot, they use the tshirts less, however, he is in one whenever they are gone while in his crate.  They also recommend kids tshirts which are less expensive than dog tshirts and still fit.

During the summer months or when there will be high exposure to the sun, they apply sunscreen.  And the vet suggested giving Gordon fish oil pills because they improve the skin/coat.

Pancake will make a full recovery from the burns but her future owners will need to apply sunscreen during the summer and it would be helpful to have a humidifier during the colder months.  Just like with a human with exposed sensitive skin, they need to be on the look out for cracks in the skin and bleeding which can be treated with ointment as mentioned above. 
Pancake also has a bit of a trick knee.  The medical term is a luxating patella.  It can pop out and may need help putting it back into place.  It can require surgery, however, she's not at that stage yet.  With careful play, minimal stairs and joint supplements, she may never need surgery.
Thanks to Lydia, our Medical Director for input and explanations. Also a big thanks to Gordon's forever parents for all the information and helpful suggestions!