Sherman Medical Update

Shmooshy Face

SHERMAN MEDICAL UPDATE

I'd like to start with a medical update on Sherman. We recently found out Sherman is a more special and unique than we originally thought.

We noticed the first day we got him that when he pees it doesn't quite look right. We've had male puppies before and it isn't uncommon for them to squat to pee and not lift their legs, but it looked a lot like Sherman was peeing from his butt and his urine was rolling down his hind legs.It was bit concerning but he is also so emaciated that we just weren't sure if it had something to do with his condition, a genetic issue, or abuse. It also didn't seem to bother him all that much so we decided we would look a little later, once he was a bit more comfortable with us. 

On Sunday he seemed to warm up a bit more, he didn't seem unsure or afraid and seemed like he knew we were here to help. I lifted him up so Chelsae (my wife) could get a look at his manlyhood and take a few pictures for the vet. It wasn't pretty and looked like his genitals were underdeveloped and just didn't look like it should. We sent the photos and the video of him using the restroom to Amanda (the rescue coordinator) and eagerly awaited the response. None of us had ever seen it and it was a bit of a medical mystery.

I'll admit, I'm one of those people that will google anything that is going on with myself or one of the dogs and I couldn't find anything. A small part of me started to think Sherman may have been tortured but I had no clue. Chelsae was on it and found a condition called Hypospadias. We included our internet diagnosis in the communication with Amanda. Later on Easter we heard back from the veterinarian (who had to dust off his textbooks) and he asked to see Sherman.

On Monday Sherman had his first vet visit under our care. and this is what we found out...

"It was confirmed that our little Sherman has the a rare condition called Hypospadias. Hypospadias is a congenital anomaly of the genitalia where there is fusion failure and incomplete development of the urethra. This is why it looked like Sherman was peeing from his butt. As of now Sherman has a long road to recovery ahead of him- months of TLC, medicated baths, antibiotics, wiping each time he uses the bathroom and continued application of ointment to his butt area to avoid the pee from burning his already raw skin. Once his skin starts to heal and is under control he will then need a sonogram at a specialist to figure out his internal set up and make a plan. The surgery is uncommon, expensive and something vets usually read about in text books, rarely see in real life. On top of this all when Sherman is healthy enough he will need to be fully vetted and have his cherry eye corrected."

I had to read it a few times and do a little of my own research to understand. Basically Sherman's boy parts didn't fully develop due to a genetic abnormality. The vet even said there is something like one reported case of Canine Hypospadias in the entire state of California all year.

So on top of Sherman be extremely malnourished, his cherry eye, his horrible skin condition, his swollen feet, and all of the ongoing medication, baths, and sprays.... He also has to deal with a congenital issue that will very likely require surgery to repair. Luckily the one of the only veterinary surgical hospitals that can do the surgery is very close, at UC Davis.

Unfortunately, we are in a holding pattern since we need his immune system to get stronger and have his skin and other issues clear up before we can even think about him being sedated or treated for some of these underlying issues. It's amazing all of this can get to this point in just his first 5 months of life.

His crusty skin and dry clumpy hair

So, for the time being we will be continuing all the medications he was sent home with from the animal shelter along with some supplements like fish oil and probiotics. We will be applying petroleum jelly or neosporin just bellow his butt to keep his own urine from burning his already sensitive and beat up skin (think doggie diaper rash), and we will be wiping his butt after he uses the bathroom to keep the area dry and unaffected. DID I MENTION MY WIFE IS A SAINT????? I help when I'm home, but my job is considered "essential" and I'm going to work during the days.

I know this is long but I wanted to be thorough. He has a very long (and expensive) road to recovery. Sherman is a true UNDERDOG

SHERMAN'S PERSONALITY

On a much happier note, Sherman's personality has really started to shine through the last few days. He not only comes to check on us when we come into the room her is in but he actively seeks out scratches and love. He has shown a real interest in both of my daughters (4yo Maddy and 7mo Morgan) and follows the baby around while she runs around the kitchen in her walker. He loves to get pets from Maddy and leans in while she gently scratches over the sweater we have him in (more on kids and foster dogs in the coming day or two).

Sherman loves getting Maddy pets

And boy does he have a voice on him. When it's chow time he sings the songs of his people until there is a bowl plopped down in front of him. He even seems to really love bath time, that or he just really enjoys the 10 minutes of straight scratches and body rubs while we wait for the medicated shampoo to work on his skin. He's a very sweet and affectionate soul.

If you're curious how to help Sherman or another dog feel free to comment below and I'll try to get back to you to answer whatever questions I can. You can also check out UNDERDOG ANIMAL RESCUE