TEMPORARILY ON MEDICAL HOLD.

BRISTOL is a delightful and happy 2 yr old, 33#, female, tricolor sheltie.  Since arriving in rescue, she's been completely vetted, including a recent diagnosis of laryngeal paralysis   (occasional drooling, raspy breathing, hoarseness, heat sensitivity).  Her paralysis is currently only on one side of her larynx and her Vet did not recommend surgery at this time. There is no treatment, is not curable, but monitored.  Our Vet suggests that dogs with this condition would do better in an area with less heat and humidity.  Owners of dogs with laryngeal paralysis need to be cognizant to the possibility of their pet getting aspirate pneumonia.

 Link to describe Laryngeal Paralysis:  

https://www.thesprucepets.com/laryngeal-paralysis-in-dogs-4771710)

In trying to find a cause for the laryngeal paralysis, we also tested Bristol for Myasthenia Gravis and she did NOT have this condition.

Lastly, we sent off a genetic screening for sheltie disorders and she had a positive for DMS (aka Dermatomyositis ) and she is at a high risk of developing this disease. While we are unable to definitively diagnose her (a biopsy must be done on an active lesion and she has no lesions, which are the tell tale signs of this disease), some of the symptoms of this disease are in direct correlation with her facial muscular wasting and swallowing issues.  There is no cure for DMS.  We are currently treating her with a trial of Pentoxifylline for DMS to see if it helps any of her swallowing issues.  If there are no improvement, she will not remain on this prescription. 

Link to describe DMS (Dermatomyositis): 

https://www.americanshetlandsheepdogassociation.org/dermatomyositis/

BRISTOL's PERSONALITY:

Bristol would do best in a quieter home because the less active she is, the easier it is for her to breath (less panting from excitability).  While she loves to play with (some) dogs, she does have an alpha personality and would NOT do well with another alpha pet.   She has learned to jump in a lap for snuggles, has learned to play fetch and loves toys occasionally, too.  She is a good traveler (if restrained in a seatbelt harness or crate) and would be a wonderful walking companion (not in the heat of the day due to breathing issues).  She still has a need for basic obedience work and is occasionally quite barky.  She is a very happy and entertaining girl !

While I am more than willing to discuss Bristol's condition with anyone that is not scared off by adopting a rescue dog that is "not medically perfect", please do your homework FIRST and read up about these conditions that will forever be a part of Bristol's life. 

A reputable rescue NEVER turns away a dog due to age or health conditions.  With that said, we also hope that there are potential sheltie loving adopters that are also willing to give these dogs a happy and loving home.  

 

 

 

Good with Some Dogs (No small dogs), Good with Older/Considerate Kids Only, Good with Adults, Somewhat vocal, Does Good in the Car, Requires a yard, Leashtrained, Cratetrained, Plays fetch, Likes to play with toys, Likes to be in your lap, Drools, Prefers cool climate, Needs special care, Playful, Affectionate, Goofy, Not good with small dogs