Animal Profile

Sheera is at risk due to medical concerns. Sheera presented to the shelter with severe generalized skin ulcerations, which have markedly improved with treatment. She recently developed a swelling in her left forelimbs digits with a non-weight bearing lameness due to an unknown cause. Sheera needs continued veterinary care and possible diagnostics (such as a skin biopsy) to determine an underlying diagnosis for her skin concerns, though we are suspicious of an immune-mediated disease. Behaviorally, Sheera allows all medical handling and responds well to a slow approach.

Let's get to know each other a bit more...

This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. Sheera is at risk due to medical concerns. Sheera presented to the shelter with severe generalized skin ulcerations, which have markedly improved with treatment. She recently developed a swelling in her left forelimbs digits with a non-weight bearing lameness due to an unknown cause. Sheera needs continued veterinary care and possible diagnostics (such as a skin biopsy) to determine an underlying diagnosis for her skin concerns, though we are suspicious of an immune-mediated disease. Behaviorally, Sheera allows all medical handling and responds well to a slow approach. Meet Sheera! Sheera is a beautiful husky who was surrendered when her owner could no longer care for her, and now she's looking for a home that understands her sensitive side and her big heart. She is a social, affectionate girl who can also be a bit of a couch potato once she feels comfortable, and she has a playful streak that shines through with toys and people she trusts. My Ideal Home Sheera would do best in an adult-only home that can give her a calm, predictable environment. She benefits from slow introductions, gentle handling, and a patient approach that helps her feel secure as she builds confidence in new situations. Good with Other Pets? Sheera has lived with dogs before and is generally social with familiar dogs and tolerant of unfamiliar dogs in both home and shelter settings. As always, slow introductions are recommended to set her up for success. Good with Kids? No children under 13 are recommended at this time due to Sheera's fearfulness and sensitivity to touch. Things to Know Sheera can be an anxious girl who may react to strangers or small dogs on walks by growling or barking, and she does best when given space and time to feel safe. She may also feel nervous in handling situations, especially when startled or touched unexpectedly, but she is unbothered by everyday handling like being moved or resting nearby people. Once comfortable, she shows a softer side, enjoys toys, knows several cues like sit and paw, and has a playful, intelligent personality. She is also very loyal to her people and forms strong bonds once she trusts her environment. Fun Fact Sheera may start out cautious, but once she knows you, she's all about playtime, treats, and sticking close to her favorite humans like a true husky sidekick.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 42 lbs

Medical Notes

4/25/2026

The staff veterinarians are issuing a TEMPORARY waiver from the spay/neuter requirements of the City of NY. Follow up care at your regular veterinarian is recommended to ensure continued treatment through to the resolution of the issue. At the time of a full recovery you may choose to have your veterinarian perform the spay/neuter surgery, or make provisions to return the pet to ACC for sterilization.

4/25/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 4 years Microchip noted on Intake? Positive History: Owner Surrender QAR MM pink, moist, CRT <2 sec Observed Behavior - Blue Sedation needed for Intake d/t severity of skin condition Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? - Yes Objective: P = 80 sedated R = 12 sedated BCS 3.5/9 Wt = 42 lbs T = 101.7 F EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: NSF PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, no apparent murmur, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated, large volume of soft to watery light brown stool with frank blood passed during exam U/G: FI (no spay scar or green spay tattoo observed) MSI: Ambulatory x 4. Severe, generalized skin disease with multiple crusting, superficial to full-thickness moist sores, and matted fur over lateral antebrachium, abdomen, flank, and thighs. Interdigital dermatitis present. Nails overgrown. Observed itching. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: -Severe generalized pyoderma/dermatitis; r/o allergic, parasitic, bacterial, autoimmune, other -Hemorrhagic diarrhea; r/o stress colitis, inflammatory bowel disease -Underweight Prognosis: Guarded Plan: Sedation: Dexmedetomidine (0.5 mg/mL) 0.4 mL IM, Butorphanol (10 mg/mL) 0.4 mL IM. Reversed with Atipamezole (5 mg/mL) 0.4 mL IM. -Parvo snap test: Negative -Skin swab (aerobic culture and sensitivity): Pending -Blood work (send out): Pending -Partial clip and clean of wounds, chlorhexidine bath -LRS 300 mL SQ once -Vitamin B12 0.5 mL SQ once -Methadone (10 mg/mL) 0.38 mL (0.2 mg/kg) IM once -Simplicef (Cefpodoxime) 200 mg PO SID x 14 days -Gabapentin 300 mg PO BID indefinitely -Apoquel 8 mg (1/2 of 16 mg tablet) PO BID x 7 days -FortiFlora 1 sachet PO SID x 14 days -First doses of Simplicef, Gabapentin, and Apoquel given -Recheck tomorrow -Future considerations: Potential switch to steroids after NSAID washout period, sedated recheck, skin biopsy prior to starting steroids SURGERY: Temporary waiver d/t skin condition and being underweight

4/26/2026

Progress exam S: P lying at front of kennel, then BAR / soliciting attention when approached no c/s/v/d reported Poor appetite reported but P did eat medications in high value food O: EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted H/L: Eupneic at distance MS: Ambulatory x 4. INT: Severe, generalized skin disease with multiple crusting, superficial to full-thickness moist sores, and matted fur over lateral antebrachium, abdomen, flank, and thighs. Interdigital dermatitis present CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities A: Severe generalized pyoderma/dermatitis - appears comfortable / nonpruritic today r/o allergic vs ectoparasitic vs bacterial vs autoimmune vs other Hematochezia diarrhea - resolving, no stool overnight r/o stress colitis vs infectious (bacterial vs viral vs endoparasitic) vs dietary indiscretion vs foreign body vs pancreatitis vs food allergy vs other Hyporexia - open Underweight r/o malnutrition vs malabsorptive disease vs other FI Siberian Husky P: Culture - pending Bloodwork - pending CWCP, DVM recheck 4/27

4/27/2026

Recheck anorexia + skin infection S: BARH - laying LLAT in back of run, sensitive and turns head around on gentle palpation of skin sores Ate most/all food this morning No c/s/v/d Normal urination and defecation this morning O: EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic MSI: Ambulatory x 4, generalized superficial to full-thickness erythematous sores with minimal serous discharge on abdomen, flank, and thighs CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities A: Severe generalized pyoderma/dermatitis - improving, appears comfortable / nonpruritic today r/o allergic vs ectoparasitic vs bacterial vs autoimmune vs other Hematochezia diarrhea - resolving, r/o stress colitis vs infectious (bacterial vs viral vs endoparasitic) vs dietary indiscretion vs foreign body vs pancreatitis vs food allergy vs other Hyporexia - improving Underweight r/o malnutrition vs malabsorptive disease vs other FI Siberian Husky CBC: mild monocytosis (1.116) likely stress leuk, slight thrombocytosis (417) BIOCHEM: r/o secondary to hematochezia +/- skin infection vs dehydration vs other -TP (8.4) H -Albumin (2.1) L -Globulin (6.3) H -A/G Ratio (0.3) L -AST (15) L T4: 1.2 low normal P: Culture pending Continue gabapentin, Simplicef, Apoquel, and Fortiflora DVM recheck 4/29 - reassess skin infection (need add'tl flushing?) and hematochezia Consider rechecking Free T4/TSH if showing signs of hypothyroidism with placement/adopter

4/29/2026

Recheck wounds - BAR in kennel, eating well, stool smashed at back of kennel appears soft FS 5-6, no v/c/s or hematochezia noted; wounds at flanks stable with no active discharge or swelling. PLAN: Continue current treatment plan and recheck wounds/diarrhea in 4-5 days.

5/1/2026

Aerobic skin culture results - 3 isolates (one normal flora); current antibiotic cefpodoxime appropriate choice. Continue with current plan.

5/3/2026

Progress exam S: BARH - aloof but tolerant pink moist mm No c/s/v/d No stool yet today O: EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic MSI: Ambulatory x 4, scabbed over multifocal dermal lesions at abdomen, flank, and thighs- no active discharge, no pain or pruritus on light palpation CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities A: Severe generalized pyoderma/dermatitis - improving Hematochezia diarrhea - resolving Hyporexia - improving Underweight - stagnant FI Siberian Husky P: ADD TID feeding x7d then recheck weight / exam 5/9 (also last day of cefpodoxime / fortiflora) Otherwise CWCP OK to move to adoption floor

5/9/2026

Progress exam History: Reported to be quiet in kennel; currently housed in pop up crate and attempting to move away from bedding due to higher temperatures of room. No c/s/v/d. S. BARH, eating treats when offered but tense and whale eyed throughout exam. Allowed handling while distracted with cheese. O. Weight: 39 lbs BCS: 3/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic MSI: Ambulatory x 4, healing scabs throughout coat, no active erythema, swelling, discharge or pruritus present. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities A. Severe generalized pyoderma/dermatitis - significant improvement Hematochezia diarrhea - resolved Hyporexia - continued Underweight - weight loss since 4/25 P: No additional medications needed at this time. Continue with TID feeding Recheck weight in 7 days Move to Medical for closer monitoring and provide a quieter and cooler space, hopefully will encourage P to eat and gain weight.

5/13/2026

Recheck appetite - BAR, ate well overnight, no c/s/v/d noted, no ocular or nasal discharge, eupneic; improved scabbing along flanks - stable PLAN: No further treatment, lesions healing; CTM while at QACC.

5/15/2026

DVM Progress Exam History: New open wound S/O: P is near continuously vocalizing while in kennel BAR, eupneic BCS 3/9 MSI update: Small open wound, left lateral abdomen; P is pruritic; continued thick/deep dermal lesions, scabbed over A. -Severe generalized pyoderma/dermatitis - significant improvement -Open dermal wound - R/O existing scab fell off vs new wound; consideration for self-trauma d/t pruritus -Hyporexia - continued -Underweight - weight loss since 4/25 P: -Continue with TID feedings -Recheck weight in 1 day -Medicated bath (Malaseb) to treat skin and gently soften scabs in 1 day -Resume Apoquel 8 mg PO BID x 2 weeks; then Apoquel 8 mg PO SID for at least 2 more weeks -Increase Gabapentin to 400 mg PO BID indefinitely for skin discomfort/itch and anxiety support -Skin recheck in 1 week; if not improving, recommend reinitiating Simplicef for at least 2 weeks; also recommend another medicated bath -Seek New Hope Placement -Ongoing veterinary medical care needed at placement; recommend Dermatology consultation

5/17/2026

-Reweigh -Medicated bath (Malaseb) to treat skin and gently soften scabs // completed 5/16

5/20/2026

Behavior Medication Consult Per Canine Behavior Team, 5/18: Sheera continues to wail and may be showing some aversion to remaining/returning to her kennel. P is already on Gabapentin, with a recent increase from 300 to 400 mg PO BID indefinitely (20 mg/kg). Adding Trazodone 8 mg/kg, 150 mg PO BID indefinitely.

5/22/2026

DVM Progress Exam S/O: -P brought to Medical by ACS for new onset LFL lameness -QAR, eupneic, HR: 110, RR: 28 -Weight 40.2 lbs, BCS 3/9 -MSI: Continued severe skin lesions, scabbed over/matted excoriations/erosions/ulcerations; minimal weight bearing on LFL - P is resistant to full examination - mild palmar interdigital redness/swelling, skin lesions present on lateral aspect of limb, skin/coat appear thickened distal to elbow vs SQ swelling A. -Severe generalized pyoderma/dermatitis with severe wounds - continued -Hyporexia - continued -Underweight - continued weight loss -New onset LFL lameness +/- swelling/cellulitis - skin disease-associated vs musculoskeletal (injury vs other) P: -Carprofen injection, 4.4 mg/kg, 1.6 ml SQ once (24-hour dose) -Lameness recheck tomorrow; consider 3-5 days of Carprofen PO if eating and not improved; recommend in-house bloodwork first -*Short Walks Only* flag -Continue with TID feedings -Continue Apoquel 8 mg PO BID x 2 weeks (1/2 weeks in); then Apoquel 8 mg PO SID for at least 2 more weeks -May reinitiate Simplicef for at least 2 weeks -Seek New Hope Placement -Ongoing veterinary medical care needed at placement; recommend Dermatology consultation -Consideration for ARL

5/23/2026

DVM Progress Exam - new LFL lameness dx yesterday 5/22 S/O: BAR, pink and moist mm. Eupneic. No ocular or nasal discharge. MSI: non-weight bearing in LFL consistently, ambulatory x 3. Sedated with dexmedetomidine 10mcg/kg + butorphanol 0.2mg/kg IM. Deep and adequate sedation level achieved. Antagonized with atipamezole 0.4ml IM. RADIOGRAPHS: LFL moderate ST swelling around digits and metacarpals, otherwise NSF, no fractures or bony changes present. SEDATED EXAM: generalized swelling around carpus and digits with draining tract present between digits, minimal discharge present; no swelling present above level of the carpus. Clipped fur around previous lesions - appear to be healing very well!! No SQ swelling or discharge. A few small areas or granulation tissue present on hind end and lateral abdomen. Appear markedly better than previously noted under sedation. A. -Severe generalized pyoderma/dermatitis with severe wounds - MUCH IMPROVED! -Hyporexia - continued -Underweight - continued weight loss -LFL swelling with draining tracts r/o FB, granuloma, other wound *r/o immune-mediated disease such as DLE P: -Soaked LFL in dilute chlorhex solution, flushed with sterile saline after using catheter tip into draining tract. -Move into Medical again for closer monitoring -Administered carprofen injection again at 5.30pm today, 4.4mg/kg, 1.6ml; continue q24h x 5 days Start following medications: -Carprofen PO q24h x 5 days -Cefpodoxime 200mg PO q24h x 14 days Continue with following medications: -Trazodone 150mg PO q12h -Gabapentin 400mg PO q12h -Apoquel 8mg PO q12h until 5/30, then q24h until 6/14 Seek placement out of shelter ASAP Add to ARL - recommend dermatology consult and workup for suspected underlying immune-mediated disease (i.e. DLE)

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Basic Information:: Sheera is a black and white female MMB dog who was surrendered to ACC by her family of four years

Previously lived with:: 3 adults, 2 children ages 14, and 4

How is this dog around strangers?: Hides at first an may alert bark but is tolerant

How is this dog around children?: Alert bars but is tolerant, friendly, and outgoing

How is this dog around other dogs?: Friendly, playful, and outgoing with familiar dogs and tolerant of unfamiliar dogs both on and off-leash

How is this dog around cats?: Friendly, playful, and outgoing

Resource guarding:: Considers toys, treats, and food items of high valued will have a tense body or hover over the items when approached

Bite history:: No history

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: High (often playful/busy)

Other Notes:: Knows to relieve herself outside when on walks or on wee-wee pads but is known to miss the pads sometimes She has general anxiety and on walks she can be reactive towards strangers who approach her family and small dogs. Her reaction is to growl or hard bark She is fearful hen held, restrained, or startled, will bark or growl when her paws are touched, and is unbothered by being disturbed when sleeping, moved from furniture or when her collar is grabbed She gets nervous getting in or being in a car and needs to be secured to the car or she will try to jump out the window

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

Medical Notes: No known allergies Last vet check was at the ASPCA on 12/01/2025

For a New Family to Know: She is described as a social, affectionate, active, and playful couch potato who spends most of her time in the bedroom of her home. She goes to the groomer but also allows her family to bathe and brush her, pulls very little on her leash during her usual 30min long walks, has experience with being crated, and knows the cues "sit", "go", "stop", "paw", and "eat". She is smart, has the nose of a trained sniffer dog, and is protective of the ones she loves. She loves any toy she is given and eats both wet and dry food of Plentiful or Dog Chow band.

Date of intake:: 4/22/2026

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender

Previously lived with:: 3 adults, 2 children ages 14, and 4

Behavior toward strangers:: Hides at first an may alert bark but is tolerant

Behavior toward children:: Alert bars but is tolerant, friendly, and outgoing

Behavior toward dogs:: Friendly, playful, outgoing with familiar dogs tolerant of unfamiliar dogs both on/off-leash

Behavior toward cats:: Friendly, playful, and outgoing

Resource guarding:: Considers toys, treats, and food items of high valued will have a tense body or hover over the items when approached.

Bite history:: No known reports of a bite hsitory.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Sheera is noted in the prior home to have a High (often playful/busy) energy level in the prior home.

Other Notes:: Knows to relieve herself outside when on walks or on wee-wee pads but is known to miss the pads sometimes She has general anxiety and on walks she can be reactive towards strangers who approach her family and small dogs. Her reaction is to growl or hard bark She is fearful hen held, restrained, or startled, will bark or growl when her paws are touched, and is unbothered by being disturbed when sleeping, moved from furniture or when her collar is grabbed She gets nervous getting in or being in a car and needs to be secured to the car or she will try to jump out the window She is described as a social, affectionate, active, and playful couch potato who spends most of her time in the bedroom of her home. She goes to the groomer but also allows her family to bathe and brush her, pulls very little on her leash during her usual 30min long walks, has experience with being crated, and knows the cues "sit", "go", "stop", "paw", and "eat". She is smart, has the nose of a trained sniffer dog, and is protective of the ones she loves. She loves any toy she is given and eats both wet and dry food of Plentiful or Dog Chow band.

Date of assessment:: 4/28/2026

Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Loose Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Timid backs away from leashing Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Explores room, shakes off, loose body Call over: Comes when coaxed- panting, soft body, sniffs Sociability comments: allows collaring Handling Soft handling: Tolerant- lip licks, headwhip Exuberant handling: Tolerant- lip licks, looks back Handling comments: Arousal Jog: Follow- neutral body Arousal comments: Knock: no repsonse Knock Comments: Toy: playbow, neutral body Toy comments:

Summary:: According to Sheera's previous owner(s), she is friendly, playful, and outgoing with familiar dogs and tolerant of unfamiliar dogs both on and off leash. 04/25/26 Sheera is introduced to a novel male while off leash. She approaches the gate slowly, displaying a high-flagged tail and hard stares the male. She remains at the gate with a tense frame, hard staring for a minute before disengaging on her own.

Summary (7):: 5/20/26: Sheera can be heard wailing in her kennel. 5/18: It is reported that Sheera would wail in her kennel for a prolonged period of time. When a handler goes to check on her, she is seen sticking her nose and foot through the food/water slot. The slot door closed but Sheera persistently tried ot push it back open. Later on the evening after being returned from her second evening walk, Sheera resumes wailing for atleast 10 minutes. She finally stops wailing once the lights are turned off. 4/28/26: Sheera is at the back of the kennel sleeping as the handler approaches. She is leashed with ease and brought to her the behavior office where she is clipped to a drag leash. (see assessment for more information) Throughout the session, Sheera is aloof to handlers and will walk around the room sniffing. She is then returned to her kennel with no issue. 4/25/26: Sheera is at the front of her kennel as the handler approaches and is leashed with ease. She is then leashed with ease and will walk out to the yard with no issue. She is not fitted with a collar but will participate in a gate greet. (see dog-dog for more information) When being returned to her kennel, she will stop in the hallway. The handler attempts to coax her with treats but she will not take them. She will thrash when pressure is applied to the leash but is walked through the thrashing and will eventually walk back to her kennel where she is secured safely. 4/24/26: Sheera is laying down in her kennel as handler approaches. She is able to be slowly leashed with ease and is then taken to the behavior room for her assessment. She would explore around with a tense body while sniffing. She is unable to receive a handling assessment at the moment due to her skin irritation. She baulks at the front of her kennel when returning back and has has to be slightly muscled inside due to not wanting to go in for treats. 4/23: Sheera was observed to be hypersalivating in her crate.

Date of intake:: 4/22/2026

Summary:: friendly but anxious,flinching when the slip leash was placed.

Date of initial:: 4/25/2026

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: Level 4

Recommendations:: No children (under 13)

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to Sheera's fearfulness and touch sensitivity, we recommend she be placed in an adult-only home at this time.

Potential challenges: : Resource guarding,Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful,Anxiety,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration

Potential challenges comments:: Resource guarding:Considers toys, treats, and food items of high valued will have a tense body or hover over the items when approached. Avoid forcing Sheera to give up her valued items, as this can exacerbate the guarding behavior. Consistency and patience are crucial in helping Sheera feel more secure and less inclined to guard resources. Please see handout on Resource guarding. Handling/touch sensitivity:She is fearful when held, restrained, or startled, will bark or growl when her paws are touched.Handling should be approached gradually, with positive reinforcement to help increase comfort and reduce stress. Please see handout on Resource guarding. Fearful: She gets nervous getting in or being in a car and needs to be secured to the car or she will try to jump out the window. Support should focus on safety measures, gradual desensitization, and creating positive car related experiences. Please see handout on decomression period. Anxiety: Sheera is noted to have generalized anxiety. Consistent routines, enrichment, and predictable handling will be important in helping her manage overall stress levels. Please see handout on generlized anxiety. On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration: Sheera is noted on walks to be reactive towards strangers who approach her family and small dogs. Her reaction is to growl or hard bark.Training should emphasize distance management, engagement with the handler, and reinforcing calm alternative behaviors during encounters. Please see handout On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration.