Source:   Owner relinquished to the AWL on March 31. Given name is Prince, which NISA is changing to Crosby.

Appearance:  His body was shaved to the skin at some point as the hair is very even and only 1/4 inch long. hair above the collar line is normal and hair around ears grossly matted. This dog is immensely obese!

Incoming physical condition:  No medical history available. No medical provided while in holding at the AWL. Weight is 98 pounds; stool - negative; HW test - negative; raging diarrhea from stress and diet changes; heart and lungs normal.

Estimated age:  Relinquish info indicates 10 years

Temperament:  Stressed and somewhat snappy with technicians and kennel personal. Staff contributes this to the dogs stress levels.

Training:  No information available

Notes:  Relinquish information indicates Crosby is housetrained, good with cats and is very compatible other dogs. Howls or sings while riding in a vehicle...quite beautiful to listen to, hence the name Crosby

Up-date:
Thanks to FM (foster Mom) Carol, Crosby is beginning to blossom and he's also down to 82 pounds. He walks like a dream on leash, changes directions on just a verbal command, loves to just hang-out near his human, and is learning that brushing is NOT the worst experience in life. He's also improved greatly with toy sharing and is no longer as challenging about his food dish.

He still absolutely hates being brushed or having his nails done, but FM says, "We'll continue to work on these areas." That aside, FM feels Crosby would make a wonderful companion in any adult home.

Look at this face on the left. How can you resist?

Up-date: 10/17/09
Earlier this year, Crosby's foster Mom stated that Crosby was becoming very attached to her and as a result Carol thought the only right thing to do would be to adopt him.  At the time, Crosby was presenting some concerning blood test results involving his liver and then, later his kidney values increased a bit.  With veterinarian recommendations, medication and diet were implemented. My answer to Carol was, "NISA's policy is that no Sammie can be released until deemed completely healthy so let's wait on your request to adopt until after his next blood test result."

That said, time passed and later blood work indicated Crosby's kidney and liver levels came down closer to the normal range. However, now we were dealing with ear infections....again and again.

On Sunday, September 27 I received a very urgent call from Carol that Crosby collapsed in her back yard and wasn't able to stand without support. Of course the obvious is take him to a veterinary for an examination. (I thought he might have had a stroke and with prompt treatment any side effects like paralysis can sometimes be reversed) Our base clinic veterinarian thought Crosby possibly slipped a disc and recommended an injection of steroids. It was also recommended that Crosby have 24/7 medical observation for a few days so off to Animal Emergency and Referral Center in North Brook. Here a complete blood panel and another physical examination were conducted including X-rays which quite by accident provided insight to possibly another problem. Shadows near the upper chest area suggested an accumulation of fluid either in the lungs or chest cavity.  Additional chest X-rays revealed  an enlarged heart and a large volume of fluid in the chest cavity! Since this was Sunday plans were to keep Crosby comfortable and monitor his condition until Monday when the facilities specialized doctors would be on board. 

On Monday a liter of fluid was removed from Crosby's chest cavity and surprisingly his appetite perked up a bit and he was able to walk with light  support! On the down side the blood test revealed elevated kidney levels indicating possible renal failure so now we have two conditions needing opposite treatment. Fluid to help the kidneys would cause an influx of fluid in the heart and chest cavity. Diuretics to remove the fluid would compromise the kidneys. Talk about rotten luck!!!!

By Wednesday the fluid had re-accumulated in the chest and Crosby had regressed. His breathing was labored and again, he could not stand. An ultrasound ruled out any type of visible tumor or mass however not all cancers are easily detected. Once again doctors removed a liter of fluid from Crosby's Chest but this time he didn't respond positively as he had the first time. He continued to be weak and listless. Late in the day Wednesday the cardiologist felt Crosby could go either way in the next 12 to 24 hours. Any and all medical intervention at that point had been applied which left the final choice to Crosby. 

Had his life improved enough during his 3 years in foster care to make him want to live?

Carol paid another visit Wednesday evening to see if he might eat for her which he did not but his spirits perked up a bit and he did lap a small amount of water. Surprisingly come Thursday Crosby began to show interest in food (what animal doesn't love baby food?) and seemed to have much better spirits. "He snapped at one of his attendants' who dared touch his leg!" AWESOME, that's really good news for Crosby!!! Thursday night I received a call from Carol that Crosby could go home on Friday as long as his condition didn't regress. The fluid did not re-accumulate this time and come Friday Crosby was getting ornery which is a good sign. When he feels good he doesn't like people fussing with him.

Amazing is an understatement, however we're all extremely grateful for prayers answered. Again we're also grateful to generous supporters and donors. Cost: $3665.74  This is precisely why NISA conducts fundraisers and seasonal campaigns for donations. NISA needs to be prepared for the unexpected.

Last week Crosby was scheduled to have a follow up blood test to monitor his kidney values, however I don't have the results at this time.

October 27
4 AM, labored breathing prompted foster Mom, Carol to transport Crosby to AERC for treatment. Fluid was accumulating in Crosby's chest again but Carols quick action made a huge difference in the severity of symptoms and spared Crosby any discomfort.  It was necessary to adjust current medications, a new medication was added and this meant monitor possible reactions for a few days.  Crosby adjusted well and was able to return home on Saturday feeling much more like his old self again.  Cost: $1,420.85

 

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