08/13/26 17:53 URGENT RESCUE NEEDED - medical plea08/13/26 18:11Update: skin healing up well, but remains severely itchy without e-collar. May need apoquel or zenrelia for pruritus control long term. Recommend that Max receive nexgard or simlar high-quality flea control once a month longterm. 07/30/26MaxA1411793This senior (~8 yrs old) dog is hoping for a second chance with a rescue that can help him enjoy his golden years in comfort. Despite everything he's been through, he has remained incredibly tolerant and easy to handle, allowing a thorough physical examination with ease. He was only a little anxious during his blood draw but otherwise has been a cooperative, kind patient.He arrived at the shelter with a history of itchiness and hair loss over his rump, tail base, and flanks. Combined with a heavy flea infestation on intake, his skin changes are most consistent with flea allergy dermatitis with secondary skin infection. He has already received NexGard, medication for itch relief, and a long-acting antibiotic injection. Now that the fleas have been eliminated, we expect his secondary skin infections to continue improving, though he may need ongoing flea prevention and monitoring for future flare-ups.Because of his age and a reported history of decreased appetite prior to arriving at the shelter, we performed a senior diagnostic workup. His CBC, chemistry panel, and total T4 were all essentially unremarkable, with the exception of a very mild elevation in ALP, a common incidental finding in older dogs that is of uncertain clinical significance at this time. Liver is not significantly enlarged on x-ray and there are no masses in the liver appreciable on x-ray.Thoracic and abdominal radiographs were also obtained. There is no evidence of metastatic disease or other obvious cancer within the chest or abdomen. The heart shows an equivocally mild enlargement of the left atrium, but there are no radiographic signs of congestive heart failure. Spinal radiographs revealed mild bridging spondylosis in the mid-thoracic spine, an age-related change that does not always mean there is clinical disease/pain and is considered incidental at this time, given lack of pain on physical exam. Importantly, he shows no pain on spinal palpation or orthopedic examination, despite a reported history of possible vehicle trauma or injury several months ago.He also has mild dental tartar with minimal gingivitis, consistent with mild periodontal disease (approximately PD Stage 1-2). A routine dental cleaning would likely benefit him once he is established with a veterinarian but he does not have oral pain or severe gum disease.This handsome senior is currently overweight at approximately 50 pounds, with an ideal weight closer to 40 pounds. A gradual weight loss plan will help reduce stress on his joints and improve his overall health.While he reportedly had a decreased appetite before entering the shelter, he has been consistently eating for us now that his skin is more comfortable. Continued monitoring of his appetite in a home environment is recommended, as many dogs eat better once the stress of the shelter is behind them.This dog has already received an excellent medical workup, his skin condition is expected to continue improving with flea control, and his diagnostics have not identified any major underlying illness. He simply needs a rescue willing to give him the comfort, routine, and continued care that every senior dog deserves.
