Animal Profile

Rocky is on the at-risk list due to medical concerns. Rocky is a friendly, gentle, senior LMB who was brought to the shelter when their owner was hospitalized. Rocky has clinical signs, x-rays and urinalysis findings consistent with cancer of the urinary bladder. On x-rays there appears to be a mass in his urinary bladder that is making is difficult for him to pass urine. We have started medication to help Rocky feel more comfortable. Rocky will need to receive immediate emergency care if he is unable to pass urine or only passing small amounts of urine. We have assessed that Rocky has periodontal disease, dermal masses, osteoarthritis and hearing loss. Rocky will need follow up with a veterinarian for comfort care and potential additional diagnostic testing. Rocky has allowed all handling and seeks attention during their exams.

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This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. Rocky is on the at-risk list due to medical concerns. Rocky is a friendly, gentle, senior, large mixed-breed dog who was brought to the shelter when their owner was hospitalized. Rocky has clinical signs, x-rays, and urinalysis findings consistent with cancer of the urinary bladder. On x-rays, there appears to be a mass in his urinary bladder that is making it difficult for him to pass urine. We have started medication to help Rocky feel more comfortable. Rocky will need to receive immediate emergency care if he is unable to pass urine or is only passing small amounts of urine. We have assessed that Rocky has periodontal disease, dermal masses, osteoarthritis, and hearing loss. Rocky will need to follow up with a veterinarian for comfort care and potential additional diagnostic testing. Rocky has allowed all handling and seeks attention during their exams. Meet Rocky! 🐾 Rocky is a friendly, social guy who loves being around his people. He stays close, happily seeks attention, and leans in for pets-he's the kind of dog who truly enjoys companionship. On leash, he shows mild pulling but is generally easy to handle, and he stays relaxed even when you pick up the pace. He's comfortable with handling and has a soft, affectionate demeanor once he warms up. Rocky has a medium energy level and would thrive in a home that can give him both attention and structure. He's still working on his basic manners and impulse control, so continued positive, reward-based training will help him shine. Rocky would do best in a home without very young children, but older kids who are comfortable with larger, sometimes jumpy dogs could be a great match. If you're looking for a loving, people-oriented companion who just needs a little guidance to be his best self, Rocky might be your perfect fit! 💛

My medical notes are...

Weight: 75 lbs

Medical Notes

3/23/2026

[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 11 yrs Microchip noted on Intake? Positive Scan History: Agency Subjective: BARH Observed Behavior - Timid, tail tucked, no interest in treats, allowed handling with gentle restraint, muzzled as a precaution Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective BCS 6/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Mild-moderate tartar (limited oral exam) PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, SPP, lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non-painful, no masses palpated U/G: M/N MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, healthy hair coat, mild muscle atrophy, dermal masses: ~1cm round raised erythematous mass above left lip; ~1.5cm round erythematous pedunculated mass left pinna base; ~4-5cm soft movable SQ masses mid thorax; ~1.5cm soft movable SQ masses mid thorax CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: -Dental disease -Dermal masses Prognosis: Fair-Good Plan: -Trazodone 100mg BID for FAS -Recommend follow up on dental care and dermal masses Addendum 3/24: -Severe tartar noted upper right back teeth while under sedation for x-rays -Non responsive to sound when awake/alert, repeatable -Slow to rise, stiff gait noted -Age updated to 11 y.o. following microchip trace A: -Periodontal disease est. stage III -Suspect deaf -Osteoarthritis P: -Cosequin trial

3/24/2026

Observed passing small amounts of urine on am walk. Urinated good amount on bedding overnight. S: BARH Sedation: 0.8ml Dexdomitor IM + 0.8ml Butorphanol IM achieved good sedation for x-rays -Opacity noted neck urinary bladder -8 fr catheter easily passed to neck of bladder - length too short to reach body Sedation reversal: 0.7ml Antisedan IV. Uncomplicated recovery Walked once recovered. Initially passed only small amount of urine followed by large amount dark yellow urine in a steady stream P: -X-ray consult submitted -CBC/CHEM/Lytes/T4/UA to lab -CTM

3/26/2026

CBC: -Eosinopenia (0.058) r/out stress vs normal variation CHEM: -SDMA increased (15) r/out kidney disease vs other T4 normal (2.5) UA: -Inappropriate concentration (USG 1.027) r/out water intake vs kidney disease vs other -Proteinuria (1+), Hematuria (2+), RBC (20-30) r/out inflammation vs neoplasia vs infection vs other -Epithelial Cells (4+) r/out inflammation vs neoplasia vs infection vs other; squamous and transitional epithelial cells noted A: -Clinical signs, UA and radiographs consistent with neoplasia -Suspect early renal disease based on SDMA and USG P: Veterinary follow up will be needed for comfort care and potential additional diagnostic testing including urinary bladder ultrasound Addendum 3/28/26: Carpofen 125mg q24h started to help manage pain and inflammation, re-evaluate 3/31, recheck kidney values in 1-2 weeks and monthly thereafter.

3/26/2026

Radiograph Consult: CONCLUSIONS: The soft tissue opacity associated with mineral opaque foci within the trigone and proximal urethra might represent a neoplastic malignant process, such as transitional cell carcinoma or, less likely, a severe inflammatory process, such as urethritis. These changes might be due to summation artefact; however, this is considered very unlikely, especially considering the patient's signalment and current clinical signs.

3/28/2026

Rocky has clinical signs, x-rays and urinalysis findings consistent with cancer of the urinary bladder. On x-rays there appears to be a mass in his urinary bladder that is making is difficult for him to pass urine. We have started Carprofen, a Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help Rocky feel more comfortable. Rocky will need to see a veterinarian within 1 week to recheck his kidney values (blood work and urine testing) to make sure he is tolerating his medication. Continuing NSAIDs as well as options for additional diagnostic testing, treatment and palliative care should be discussed at this time. Rocky will need to receive immediate emergency care if he is unable to pass urine or only passing small amounts of urine.

3/31/2026

BAR. Staff report improved urine stream. Continue Carprofen 125mg q24h in the PM. Recheck renal values 4/4

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Date of intake:: 3/23/2026

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray (Limited history)

Date of assessment:: 3/26/2026

Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Mild pulling Reactivity to humans: None – ignores Reactivity to dogs: Inconclusive – did not pass dogs on walk Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Highly social – stays near handler for whole time; solicits attention Call over: Approaches readily Sociability comments: Handling Soft handling: Accepts contact – soft body Exuberant handling: Seeks contact – leans in, Comments: Arousal Jog: Follows handler (loose, neutral) Arousal comments: Knock: Approaches (loose) Knock Comments: Toy: No response Toy comments:

Summary (7):: 3/29: Rocky is easily leashed and passes dogs without issue. He is brought on a walk, pulling on and off to get to scents. When the handler attempts to turn back, Rocky balks, needing to be coaxed along. He ignores treats tossed and will stop again intermittently. He returns without issue. 3/27 Rocky is standing at the front of his kennel when staff approaches. He is easily leashed and taken for a walk around the building. He walks at the end of his leash, pulling slightly. He stops to urinate, and staff observe him struggling to go. He does this a few more times on the walk. Staff tries to walk him toward the yard, but he stops and balks, looking at the staff. Staff continues to walk with him up the block but is eventually able to steer him toward the yard. In the yard, a drag leash is attached and Rocky explores the yard on his own. Staff offer him a treat and give him some pets on his backside. He leans into the touch. When ready, Rocky is easily leashed and returns to his kennel without issue. 3/25 Rocky was standing at the front of his kennel with a soft body when staff approached. He was easily leashed and taken on a walk. Once outside, Rocky went to the bathroom on the grass before sniffing his surroundings. He walked at a slow pace, leaving slack on the leash. When the handler turned to head back down the block, Rocky became stiff and refused to walk toward the building. The handler had to entice him with treats the entire way back, or he would again refuse to walk. It was not until Rocky was inside the building that he began walking to his kennel without issue. 3/24 Rocky was in front of the kennel with a loose body easily leashed and taken for a walk. Rocky walked with a loose leash and was exploring his surroundings. Rocky accepted pets on his walk staff, then returned him to his kennel without issue.

Date of intake:: 3/23/2026

Date of initial:: 3/23/2026

Summary:: Timid, tail tucked, no interest in treats, allowed handling with gentle restraint

ENERGY LEVEL:: In the shelter Rocky has been observed to have a medium energy level.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: Level 2

Recommendations:: No young children (under 5)

Recommendations comments:: NO YOUNG CHILDREN (UNDER 5) Due to potential for poor manners we feel that rocky would do best in a home without very young children. Older children who are comfortable around large, jumpy dogs should have an in-depth interaction prior to adoption.

Potential challenges: : Basic manners/poor impulse control

Potential challenges comments:: BASIC MANNERS/POOR IMPULSE CONTROL It is recommended that default behaviors such as "Leave it", "Sit/Stay", "Down" are reinforced to substitute any frustration and teach him to control her impulses instead of simply reacting; proper management is also advised. Force-free, reward based training only is recommended. Please see handout on Basic manners/poor impulse control.