Animal Profile
Fiona
Hello, my name is Fiona. My animal id is #265762. I am a desexed female white dog at the Queens Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 13 years 1 months 2 weeks old.
I came into the shelter as a owner surrender on 10/11/2026, with the surrender reason stated as person circumstance - no time for animal.
Fiona is on the at-risk list due to medical concerns. Fiona has mild abdominal distension, generalized muscle loss, dorsal tail alopecia, decreased range of motion in hind limb and a soft mass near her left shoulder/chest. Bloodwork revealed markedly elevated values, indicating a high possibility of Cushing's disease, cancerous or abnormal growth, and/or other endocrinopathies. Urinalysis values also indicate potential underlying endocrine disease. Fiona has remained clinically stable with a good appetite. Further diagnostics, including abdominal ultrasound and Cushing's testing, are recommended after placement. Hospice/palliative care is also a reasonable option dependent on quality of life and available resources. Behaviorally, Fiona has been fearful at times but warms up quickly to handlers. She enjoys an easy stroll, will take treats hard, and enjoys pets.
Let's get to know each other a bit more...
Pop Up Promo! ACC is over capacity, so I'm currently living in a pop up crate. My adoption fee is waived, and my adoption comes with a $50 Chewy gift card. This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. Fiona is on the at-risk list due to medical concerns. Fiona has mild abdominal distension, generalized muscle loss, dorsal tail alopecia, decreased range of motion in hind limb and a soft mass near her left shoulder/chest. Bloodwork revealed markedly elevated values, indicating a high possibility of Cushing's disease, cancerous or abnormal growth, and/or other endocrinopathies. Urinalysis values also indicate potential underlying endocrine disease. Fiona has remained clinically stable with a good appetite. Further diagnostics, including abdominal ultrasound and Cushing's testing, are recommended after placement. Hospice/palliative care is also a reasonable option dependent on quality of life and available resources. Behaviorally, Fiona has been fearful at times but warms up quickly to handlers. She enjoys an easy stroll, will take treats hard, and enjoys pets. Meet Fiona!Fiona is a sweet girl who is looking for a little patience, a lot of kindness, and a place to call home. After her owner could no longer care for her, she found herself starting over at ACC. Her former family describes her as an energetic girl who enjoys the company of dogs she knows. She's still getting comfortable with all the changes around her, but with time and encouragement, Fiona can begin to feel safe and settle into her next chapter. My Ideal HomeFiona would love a calm, comfortable home where she can get settled at her own pace. Daily walks, food puzzles, long lasting chews, and other fun activities will help her enjoy her energy and keep her mind busy. Most of all, she needs someone who will be patient with her, celebrate the little victories, and help her discover that home can be a wonderful place to be. Good with Other Pets?Fiona's former family says she's friendly with dogs she knows, although unfamiliar dogs on walks can make her a little vocal. She was feeling unsure during a recent introduction at ACC, so we're still learning how she feels about meeting new canine friends. Slow, relaxed introductions will give her the best chance to feel comfortable. Good with Kids?Fiona would do best with adults or older, dog savvy children who understand the importance of giving her space and letting her warm up in her own time. A patient family who respects her boundaries will help her feel more at ease. Things to KnowFiona can be a little sensitive about being handled, especially around her paws and collar, so gentle approaches and tasty rewards will help her feel more comfortable. She's also quite enthusiastic when taking treats, and practicing gentle treat taking can be a fun way to build trust together. With a peaceful home, plenty of encouragement, and someone willing to let her blossom at her own pace, Fiona has a wonderful opportunity to grow in confidence and find her happy place.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 41 lbs
10/15/2026
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 13 years Microchip noted on Intake? Positive History: OS Subjective: BAR, MM pink and moist Observed Behavior - Green; Easily examined, tolerated handling and intake tasks well. Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: P = WNL R = WNL BCS 4.5/9 MCS 2/3 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Wear/attrition, enamel discoloration and mild dental calculus consistent with age; otherwise NSF. PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT <2 sec, lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Mildly distended, nonpainful. Decreased dorsal spinal/abdominal musculature. U/G: Female, suspect spayed based on suspicious-appearing ventral abdominal scar; no green tattoo noted. MSI: Ambulatory x4 with stilted, decreased ROM gait in hind limbs. Decreased epaxial/spinal musculature. Dorsal tail alopecia. Soft SQ ~1.5 inch mass left parasternal/ventral to scapula. Full orthopedic exam not performed. CNS: Mentation appropriate; full neurologic exam not performed. Assessment: -Geriatric female dog, suspect spayed -Mild generalized muscle loss, MCS 2/3; suspect age-related sarcopenia vs chronic underlying disease -Stilted/decreased ROM hind limb gait; r/o OA/DJD vs other orthopedic disease, less likely neurologic disease -Mild abdominal distension; r/o age-related body conformation/muscle loss vs organomegaly vs intra-abdominal mass vs other -Soft SQ mass left parasternal/ventral to scapula; r/o lipoma vs other benign SQ mass vs neoplasia vs single enlarged lymph node -Dorsal tail alopecia; r/o chronic friction/trauma vs allergic/parasitic dermatitis vs endocrine disease Prognosis: Fair Plan: -Standard intake tasks for dogs performed -Adult Wellness Plus submitted -DVM BW review and pathway assessment tomorrow -Recommend New Hope placement given geriatric age SURGERY: Permanent waiver d/t age
10/16/2026
DVM Blood Work Interpretation S/O: -BW reviewed following geriatric intake exam. -CBC: No significant anemia or leukocytosis. Mild lymphopenia and thrombocytosis, likely nonspecific/reactive. -CHEM: Marked ALP elevation (2,228) with moderate ALT elevation (374). Bilirubin WNL. Mild hyperphosphatemia (6.5). Renal values WNL (SDMA 14, Cr 0.7, BUN 25). Electrolytes and proteins WNL. -TT4 low-normal at 1.1. A: -Marked ALP elevation with moderate ALT elevation; suspect steroid hepatopathy, with hyperadrenocorticism/Cushing's Disease a high differential; r/o primary hepatobiliary disease vs other -Mild abdominal distension and generalized muscle loss; age-related sarcopenia vs underlying endocrinopathy including Cushing's Disease -Dorsal tail alopecia; r/o endocrine including Cushing's Disease vs friction/trauma vs other -Low-normal TT4, potentially secondary to non-thyroidal illness/endocrine disease; primary hypothyroidism not excluded P: -New Hope placement ASAP given geriatric age and need for additional diagnostic workup vs supportive/palliative care -Recommend abdominal US, UA/USG and further hepatobiliary/endocrine evaluation after placement -Recommend Cushing's Disease testing after placement as clinically indicated -Consider free T4/cTSH after placement if concern for hypothyroidism persists -Recommend sampling of SQ mass after placement -DVM recheck in 4 days, 10/20
10/20/2026
DVM Progress Exam, Brief -P is QAR and appears stable in kennel; no reports on board -Placed Canine Daily Monitoring Log to better assist with identifying any concerns -Recommend New Hope placement ASAP -DVM recheck in 1 week; check in on pathway
10/28/2026
Recheck - senior/geriatric dog, PE and bw suggestive of HAC S/O: QAR, no c/s/v/d noted, good appetite noted EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge LUNGS: Eupneic CNS: Appropriate mentation A: Marked ALP elevation on bw Abdominal distention Dorsal tail alopecia Senior pet Mass P: Scheduled UA for additional info Seek placement for further vet care and diagnostics CTM while at QACC
10/29/2026
Collect urine for UA to idexx ///Urine collected, free catch.
10/30/2026
DVM Progress SOAP - Urinalysis Review / ARL Assessment Urinalysis reviewed (10/30): -Collection: Free catch -USG 1.020 - potentially inadequately concentrated -pH 5.0 -Protein 1+ -Glucose and ketones negative -Blood and bilirubin negative -WBC 0-2/HPF, RBC 0-2/HPF -No bacteria, casts or crystals observed -Overall inactive urine sediment Previous bloodwork: -ALP 2,228, ALT 374 -SDMA 14, creatinine 0.7, BUN 25 -TT4 1.1 Assessment: -Marked ALP elevation and moderate ALT elevation with abdominal distension, muscle loss and dorsal tail alopecia - HAC remains a high differential; r/o primary hepatobiliary disease, infiltrative/neoplastic disease or other endocrinopathy -USG 1.020 - potentially inappropriate urine concentration; r/o HAC-associated polyuria/polydipsia, early renal concentrating dysfunction or other causes -Mild proteinuria (1+) with inactive sediment - r/o transient/functional proteinuria vs renal proteinuria; possible association with HAC -Geriatric patient with multiple chronic medical concerns, including suspected endocrinopathy/hepatobiliary disease, SQ mass and decreased hind limb ROM Prognosis: Guarded Plan: -Continue Canine Daily Monitoring Log and CTM appetite, hydration, urination, mentation and overall clinical status while at QACC -Add to ARL due to advanced age, significant bloodwork abnormalities, concern for underlying endocrine/hepatobiliary disease and need for timely placement and additional diagnostics -After placement, consider HAC testing (LDDST or ACTH stimulation), abdominal ultrasound, repeat UA/USG, UPC, blood pressure measurement, serial liver/renal parameters and additional endocrine/hepatobiliary diagnostics as indicated -Given advanced age and multiple chronic medical concerns, hospice/palliative care is also a reasonable option depending on clinical status, quality of life and placement resources -DVM recheck in 1 week, or sooner if clinical status declines, to reassess medical condition and placement pathway
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 1. Green
Upon intake, friendly and tolerant of all handling.
Date of Intake: 10/11/2026
Basic Information:: Fiona is a aprox. 13-year-old, female, medium, dog.
Previously lived with:: 2 adults
How is this dog around strangers?: She is friendly and outgoing with strangers.
How is this dog around children?: No experience.
How is this dog around other dogs?: She is friendly and outgoing with familiar dogs. She hard barks at unfamiliar dogs while on leash. She has no experience with unfamiliar dogs off leash.
How is this dog around cats?: No experience.
Resource guarding:: no resource guarding
Bite history:: No bite history.
Housetrained:: Yes
Energy level/descriptors:: High
Other Notes:: She is reported to take treats roughly. She is fearful when restrained and when her paws are touched. She is not bothered when woken from sleep, when startled, when moved from furniture, and when her collar is grabbed.
Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No
For a New Family to Know: She is a social and affectionate dog. She spends most of her time in the bedroom. She has been to the groomer. She pulls hard while on leash. She does not currently have regular walks, but does have access to a backyard. She is nervous getting in or being in a car, and is noted to try to climb into the drivers seat. She knows, "sit", "paw", and "stay". She is a very sweet and loving dog. She loves pig ears, bones, and dental treats. She eats Pedigree wet and dry food.
Date of intake:: 10/11/2026
Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner surrender
Previously lived with:: 2 adults
Behavior toward strangers:: Friendly and outgoing
Behavior toward children:: No experience
Behavior toward dogs:: Friendly and outgoing with familiar dogs, hard barks at unfamiliar dogs on leash
Behavior toward cats:: No experience
Resource guarding:: No resource guarding reported
Bite history:: No bite history
Housetrained:: Yes
Energy level/descriptors:: Fiona is described as a high energy dog by her previous owners.
Other Notes:: She is reported to take treats roughly. She is fearful when restrained and when her paws are touched. She is not bothered when woken from sleep, when startled, when moved from furniture, and when her collar is grabbed.
Date of assessment:: 10/12/2026
Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: none Reactivity to humans: did not pass Reactivity to dogs: did not pass Leash walking comments: tense, avoidant with collar being placed Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): sniffed, loosened up, ate treats Call over: ignored Sociability comments: Handling Soft handling: tense, closed mouth, lip lick, moved away Exuberant handling: tense, closed mouth, lip lick, moved away Handling comments: Arousal Jog: moved slowly with handler, lagged behind Arousal comments: Knock: no response Knock Comments: Toy: no response Toy comments:
Summary:: Fiona arrived as an owner surrender and is noted to Friendly and outgoing with familiar dogs, hard barks at unfamiliar dogs on leash. 10/13/26: Fiona greets a novel female dog through a barrier while displaying significant fearful body language. Fiona repeatedly walks away from the gate and remains aloof toward both the novel female and staff. Due to her level of fear and limited interest in approaching or engaging, Fiona is moved away and the interaction is ended
Summary (7):: 10/12/26 (BA): Fiona is at the front of the crate laying down as the handler approaches. She will get up very slowly and approaches the front of the crate with a loose frame and soft face. Fiona is leashed with ease and brought to the behavior office where she is fitted with a collar and placed on a drag leash to walk around freely. Fiona remains aloof throughout the majority of the session but gets through the assessment. She allows the handler to fix the collar that was twisted and is then returned to her crate with no issue. (see Behavior Assessment for more information)
Date of intake:: 10/11/2026
Summary:: Friendly
ENERGY LEVEL:: Fiona is described as a high energy dog by her previous owners, and will need daily mental and physical activity to keep her engaged and exercised. We recommend long-lasting chews, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek games, in additional to physical exercise, to positively direct her energy and enthusiasm.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: Level 3
Recommendations:: No children (under 13)
Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to the handling sensitivity that Fiona has shown in the home and care center, we recommend a home with adults or older, dog-savvy children at this time.
Potential challenges: : Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration
Potential challenges comments:: Fearful | Handling/touch sensitivity: Fiona's previous owners report that she is fearful when restrained or when her feet are touched. During her handling assessment, she was tense and avoidant- trying to move away from handlers- when they placed her collar, and she showed similar behavior, including some stress signals like lip licking, when petted. It is important to always go slow and give Fiona the option to walk away from any social interaction. She should never be forced to approach anything that she is uncomfortable with or to submit to petting or handling. It should always be her choice to approach a new person or thing. She may do best in an initially calm and quiet home environment and should be given time to acclimate to her new surroundings. Please see handout on Decompression Period and Handling/touch sensitivity. On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration: Fiona's previous owners report that she barks at unfamiliar dogs while on leash. She may need positive reinforcement, reward based training to teach her to look at you rather than other dogs. Please see handout on On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration.