Northern Chesapeake Sheltie Rescue: Sponsor a Pet Grant Report

How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?

The donation was used primarily for the vet bills for Sidney, a 5-year-old sheltie who was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in September.

We are able to cover the costs of his medication and treatment for a skin condition caused by the autoimmune disease.

How many pets did this grant help?

Several, but we earmarked it for Sidney.

Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.

In August 2016 we received a call from a local vet about a 4-year-old sheltie who had been surrendered to them for euthanasia. He had an ongoing skin condition that caused ulcerated lesions over most of his body, and the owners had tried basic care but did not want to pursue anything further. We agreed to take him into our rescue and made an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist. Several skin scrapings and biopsies were performed and he was treated with antibiotics and daily medicated baths.

The results came back as sterile nodular pinniculitis, related to an inflammation of the fatty layer under the skin. Sidney was started on an immune suppressant and Atopica, a medication used to treat skin conditions. Initially the cost of the meds was $100 a month. He has responded wonderfully and we have been able to back the meds off to every third day, which lowered the overall cost, but he will need to be on Atopica for life. He is still under the care of the dermatologist and will require monitoring.

Sidney is a playful, friendly, awesome boy. He has been with us for six months, and we hope to find the right forever home for him that is willing to take on his special needs. Meet Sidney: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/36571844