Dogs, Blind Dog Rescue Alliance Philadelphia, PA Elmo

Elmo

Name: Elmo

Sex: Male

Breed: Black Labrador Retriever/Bloodhound mix

Age: 9mths (approx. DOB: 8/2/10)

Level of blindness: Blind in one eye - other eye has normal vision.

Cause of eye issues: Eye atrophied, most likely due to an infection when he was very young.

Health issues: Elmo has congenital Kidney defects.

Weight: 70 pounds

Good with dogs: Yes

Good with cats: Yes

Good with kids: Yes

Currently being fostered in: Whiting, NJ

*BDRA will transport the dog a reasonable distance, to an approved adopter, at no extra cost, even if out of state.

Information:

Elmo came to the rescue after being with his previous owners for 5 months. He had a urinary tract infection which was not taken care of for months, so it has affected his kidneys. When Elmo came into rescue he was dehydrated and underweight. Since being at his foster home, he has put on some weight, and will drink all the water he needs so he is a very happy puppy. After 4 weeks of antibiotic therapy, Elmo’s urine culture came back negative. In just two more weeks we will see how his kidneys held up through all of this. Elmo loves to play with the rest of his foster brothers and sister. They can spend hours playing with each other, running around and pouncing – what puppy joy! Elmo does like to find sticks and various objects and bring them to the back door, I guess that’s why they call him a retriever. Elmo is crate trained and housebroken, but he has had some issues with “leaking” due to the urinary tract infection, so he needs to be walked often. Hopefully now that his UTI is under control, he will be able to control his bladder better. Elmo is a happy and very playful puppy and will just make you smile!

Update 5/10:
Elmo's UTI is finally under control. 3 more weeks of antibiotic therapy and, keep our fingers crossed, new Kidneys test. Let's all hope that his Kidney problems go away now!

Update 6/13:
Elmo's ultrasound came back with not so good news. His Kidneys do not look good, one is enlarged with cysts and the other is very small with cysts. Most likely congenital, but the UTI probably made things worse. Please sponsor Elmo - he needs your support.

Update 7/11:

Elmo was born with a chronic kidney condition that will likely shorten his lifespan but we don't know by how much. Although he will always have to be on a special diet, at present he is a happy energetic boy living in the moment and enjoying life to its fullest.