Sponsor A Dog - Rockstar

Rockstar is a fun and friendly Sharpei/German Shepherd mix. His loving and sweet personality makes you fall in love with him the moment you meet him. This handsome canine joined the Animal League's life-saving Sponsor Program in 2008. Rockstar was originally adopted as a puppy and later returned to the Animal League in 2007 after the previous owners reported that Rockstar had a seizure.

He had a comprehensive physical examination, blood work and urine testing. The results of these tests indicated that Rockstar had a disorder of his liver called a Porto Systemic Shunt (PSS). A PSS is caused by abnormal blood flow through the liver. The abnormal blood flow caused toxin buildup in his body that resulted in seizures. At the time of his initial workup, Rockstar was also found to have bladder stones, which is also a common occurrence in dogs with PSS. Rockstar was also found to have an ocular condition called entropion where the eyelid margins roll inward causing irritation to his corneas. Left untreated, entropion can result in corneal scarring and even blindness.

Rockstar was evaluated by a team of veterinarians that specialize in internal medicine, ophthalmology and surgery and the good news was that Rockstar's conditions of a PSS, bladder stones and entropion would carry a good prognosis if surgery was performed.

Rocky underwent four separate surgeries between May 2008 - August 2008 to fix his liver, bladder and eye conditions and he has recovered fantastically! He was a trooper during his recovery period, always wagging and willing to take his many medications. He is on a special diet and liver supplement for his liver condition and will need to stay on this special diet for his entire life. This combination of a special diet and liver supplements will help his liver remain healthy and prevent any worsening of hepatic microvascular dysplasia, which is a common consequence to PSS. We anticipate that with proper veterinary care and follow-up, Rockstar will live a full and happy life.

We would like to welcome Rockstar to the Sponsor Program, and we look forward to caring for him forever. He gained many fans here at the Animal League during his hospitalization. This is one Rockstar who knows how to draw a crowd!

Rockstar's Updates

3rd Quarter 2009
Rockstar (aka Rocket) seems to be fully adjusted to his new home. One sunny Saturday, Rockstar's new family took him out with them for some "doggy errands". The first stop was to a do-it-yourself dog grooming place to give Rockstar a thorough bath and brushing. Then, it was off to the North Shore Animal League for his check-up and to buy four months worth of dog food. Since Rocket's dog food is prescription, they must order two weeks in advance. The order includes ten cases of wet dog food and four bags of dry dog food for a grand total of over $800!

2nd Quarter 2009
Rocket is doing well and has already become an integral part of his new family. He loves going for long walks, playing fetch in the park and playing with the kids. He's learned so much - he knows how to play tag, hide-and-go-seek (the kids taught him both) and he sits and lies down upon command. He's gotten much better at taking his pill in the morning for his liver, which needs to be given with no food 1 hour before eating. At first it was hard to get him to swallow, but now he's really got it down (or maybe his new owner, David, has just gotten better at giving it!). All things considered, Rocket's health is good. He's thrown up a few times, usually after eating grass in the backyard, but it doesn't seem to be anything abnormal. He takes his medicine and his prescription food every day and his hip dysplasia seems less apparent. His family likes to think Rocket is wise beyond his years having suffered through so much at such a young age, and that he really appreciates it all. They do think he's happy now and feels safe and loved and they’re very proud and grateful they have the chance to share time with such a wonderful animal, and we certainly are too!

1st Quarter 2009
Sadly, Rockstar was returned to the Animal League by his new foster care family due to the unfortunate foreclosure of their home. Upon return, Rockstar's hind legs seemed stiff when he was walked. He was x-rayed and diagnosed with dysplasia in his right hip. He is not a candidate for surgery at this time, so he was started on Cosequin and cage rest. The lameness was immediately relieved, so the Cosequin was prescribed to continue. Everyone who knows Rockstar says he's a great dog. It is our goal to find him the perfect foster family. We’ll be sure to keep you posted.

4th Quarter 2008
New to Program! Rockstar is a friendly Sharpei/German Shepherd mix. Rockstar was originally adopted as a puppy and later returned to the Animal League in 2007 after the previous owners reported that Rockstar had a seizure. He had a comprehensive physical examination, blood work and urine testing. The results of these tests indicated that Rockstar had a disorder of his liver called a Porto Systemic Shunt (PSS). A PSS is caused by abnormal blood flow through the liver. The abnormal blood flow caused toxin buildup in his body that resulted in seizures. Rockstar was also found to have bladder stones and an ocular condition called entropion where the eyelid margins roll inward causing irritation to his corneas. He underwent 4 separate successful surgeries between 5/08-8/08. He is on a special diet and liver supplement and will need to stay on this special diet for his entire life.

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