Animal Profile
Pretzel Bite
Hello, my name is Pretzel Bite. My animal id is #221961. I am a female white dog at the Manhattan Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 5 years old.
I came into the shelter as a agency on 3/8/2025.
Pretzel Bite is on the at-risk list for medical reasons. She presented underweight with diarrhea. Blood work shows marked elevated white blood cell count and mild anemia. Despite increasing her caloric intake, she has not gained much weight, and still underweight. There is some concern that her small intestinal tract in inflamed and thickened. She needs care and diagnostics that we cannot provide. Behaviorally, Pretzel Bite has been social with staff, easily handled, and enjoys pets.
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This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. Pretzel Bite is on the at-risk list for medical reasons. She presented underweight with diarrhea. Blood work shows marked elevated white blood cell count and mild anemia. Despite increasing her caloric intake, she has not gained much weight, and still underweight. There is some concern that her small intestinal tract in inflamed and thickened. She needs care and diagnostics that we cannot provide. Behaviorally, Pretzel Bite has been social with staff, easily handled, and enjoys pets. What my friends at ACC say about me: My history is a mystery and my friends here do not know much about me yet! What my friends at ACC say about me: I would appreciate slow introductions to new people and places to help me feel safe. I would do best in a home without very tiny humans, although I could be open to older human children once I meet them. I love to be loved, but on my own terms! Let's brush up on some canine body language together!
My medical notes are...
Weight: 40.5 lbs
3/8/2025
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2-5y Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: Stray dog found tied up in park. Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - Tense and growling during exam and tasks but allows for placement of muzzle. Does not escalate further and stops growling as soon as handling is finished. Evidence of Cruelty seen -yes Evidence of Neglect seen-yes Evidence of Trauma seen -no Objective T = P =wnl R =wnl BCS 2/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: not performed due to behavior PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: female intact MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: normal external Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed Assessment emaciated Prognosis: fair Plan: intake tasks flagging for cruelty due to poor condition and abandonment 0.6ml vitamin 1000mcg/ml sc once SURGERY: Temporary waiver due to emaciation
3/11/2025
Staff note vomiting and diarrhea. EEN: No ocular or nasal discharge RESP: Eupneic ABD/UG: Fluidy abdomen. No vulvar discharge. NEURO: BAR RECTAL: Soft tan liquid in rectum. MSI: BCS 2/9 Ambul x 4 HCT 36.5% sl low r/o malnutrition Retic 20k low Neuts 12.7k high Eos 0.03 sl low Chem screen WNL AFAST: No free fluid in abdomen. Hyperechoic fluid in tubular cavities is more likely to be diarrhea in intestines rather than pyometra. A: Acute vomiting/ diarrhea Mild anemia Pet has gained weight and has good energy. A: Gastroenteritis secondary viral vs diet change vs other Plan LRS 400 mls SQ Cerenia 10mg/ml 1.6 ml SQ Proviable 1 capsule po sid x 7d
3/12/2025
SO: Diarrhea reported as being persistent BAR, comes to kennel door, mid day meal only half eaten. Vomiting not reported again eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4, emaciation neuro: mentation alert and appropriate A: diarrhea P: Moving to medical to monitor more closely monitor for CIRDC EN diet
3/13/2025
SO: Moved into medical. Not gaining significant weight, reported decreased appetite. Previously having diarrhea and one episode vomiting. BAR, comes out for walk, but needs to be coaxed out of kennel eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4, emaciated neuro: mentation alert and appropriate A: emaciated P: reported fecal consistency improved continue GI diet and TID feeding. Ate canned food very well this morning. monitor for CIRDC signs Adding trazodone 100mg PO BID indefinitely for in shelter FAS
3/14/2025
BAR, eating canned food very well no v/d A: emaciation diarrhea-apparently resolved P: Weight 37.0 lbs, gaining weight CTM
3/16/2025
BAR Gained weight. BCS 2/9 Plan 1 can Royal Canin GI diet TID
3/17/2025
eating and appears stable
3/20/2025
Hx: emaciation, diarrhea S: BAR, laying down in kennel but eager for walk. Diarrhea in kennel and hematchezia noted on walk. Wt: 37 lbs (stable) O: EENT: Eyes clear, no ocular or nasal discharge noted H/L: Eupneic, no coughing/sneezing or audible congestion noted ABD: Relaxed MSK/i: BCS 2/9, healthy haircoat CNS: Mentation appropriate/alert A: Emaciation Diarrhea - recurrence Wt stable P: Fenbendazole 50mg/kg PO SID x3d CTM while in care
3/21/2025
SO: In medical on treatment for emaciation and recurrence of diarrhea. Weight is stable, but not increasing with TID feeding. Currently on Royal Canin gastrointestinal 1 can TID BAR, eager to go out for walk. Eating with good appetite eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate A: underweight diarrhea P: continue fenbendazole course adding 1/2 cup dry GI high fiber diet to each feeding continue to monitor weight
3/22/2025
Observed to be chewing on kennel bars in medical and being very kennel reactive P: Gabapentin 300mg PO BID indefinitely
3/23/2025
Issue List: - underweight - failure to gain weight - marked leukocytosis with left shift - h/o regenerative anemia - Low BUN and low albumin suggesting liver insufficiency BAR H eating well temp- 100 F EENT: no nasal or ocular discharge noted H/L: eupneic PLN: WNL ABD: relaxed; no obvious FB palpated; SI's feel ropy U/G: FI MSI: Ambulatory x 4, normal hair coat; underweight CNS: Mentation quiet - no signs of neurologic abnormalities A) -underweight -immune response -low BUN and albumin -possible blood loss as CBC shows elevated retic. count and nucleated RBC -ropy small intestines r/o inflammation (e.g. IBD) vs infiltration (e.g. neoplasia) vs other P) Blood Results: -Hct- 40% -Elevated retic. count -Nucleated RBC r/o slow bleeding vs destruction RBC's - Marked elevated WBC- 44 K/microL - Band 0.9 K/microL r/o immune response vs infiltrative disease vs other BUN low 7 mg/dl (9) Hypoalbunemia 2.4 (2.7 g/dl) r/o liver issues vs other Hypocalcemia 7.9 (8.4) r/o poor absorption vs poor nutrition vs other Dog sedation: Using 0.7 ml dexmedetomidine at 500mcg/m2 (500mcg/ml) and 0.7 ml butorphanol at 0.4 mg/kg (10mg/ml) IM Reversed with Antisedan-0.7 ml IM Chest and abdominal Rads: no obvious FB In House Ultrasound: no evidence of pyometra; intestinal walls appear thickened Tick titer- pending Doxycycline- 100mg sig: 1 3/4 tabs po q 24 hrs x 14 d's (perhaps longer depending on tick titer results)
3/23/2025
Oral exam (when sedated for imaging today) Moderate tartar and worn cheek teeth. Abdominal ultrasound: Several segments of intestines with thickened muscularis layer. No discrete masses or foreign body appreciated. A: Revising age to 4 to 7 years old. r/o GI lymphoma vs IBD vs chronic partial obstruction Prognosis: Poor Plan Advise placement for internal medicine consult including ultrasound.
3/25/2025
Issue List: - emaciated in the face of good appetite - PU/PD - intestinal changes BAR H eating; barking at dogs constantly EENT: no nasal or ocular discharge noted H/L: eupneic PLN: WNL Abd: relaxed; intestines feel less ropy U/G: FI MSI: Ambulatory x 4, emaciated CNS: Mentation quiet - no signs of neurologic abnormalities A) emaciated but gained 3 lbs intestinal changes on ultrasound P) Urinates large volumes- negative for glucose BG- 96 mg/dl gained 3 lbs
3/25/2025
BG: 96mg/dL
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow
Date of intake:: 3/8/2025
Spay/Neuter status:: No
Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray, No known history
Date of assessment:: 3/10/2025
Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: None Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Distracted Call over: Approaches readily Sociability comments: Sniffing around the room, seeking treats Soft handling: Accepts contact Exuberant handling: Accepts contact Comments: Neutral body Arousal Jog comments: Follows handler readily, neutral body Knock Knock comments: Approaches readily Toy Toy comments: No interest, no reaction
Summary:: 3/25/24: Pretzel Bite greets another dog at the gate with a soft and wiggly body. She disengages and interacts with staff and will not reapproach.
Summary (7):: 3/23/25: Pretzel bar is QAR at the front of her kennel with a loose wiggly body. She is easily leashed and brought outside without a problem. Once outside on the street, she starts exploring and relieves herself. Does look back at her handler looking for pets and then continues walking. When she is finished exploring she does pull a little bit going back to the shelter and she is easily placed back into her kennel. 3/21/25: Pretzel Bite and BAR at the front of her kennel when approached. She is easily leashed and brought to the street for her walk. She pulls on the way but calms down once outside. Pretzel Bite immediately relieves herself then sniffs around trees and dirt. Pretzel bite turns around a few times seeking out pets and leans into them. Pretzel bite begins to pull towards the shelter door and is taken back inside. She is easily placed back into her kennel. 3/19/25: Pretzel bite is sitting at the front of her kennel when the handler approaches. She is easily leashed and brought outside for a walk. She pulls mildly and relieves herself. Once on the sidewalk pretzel bite sniffs around and walks around in the dirt. She does not react to people walking by but will stare at other dogs. Pretzel bite is redirected and continues walking. She seeks pets from time to time and playfully jumps up. When the walk is finished, Pretzel bite is taken back into her kennel. 3/17/25: Pretzel Bite is BAR and in the front of her kennel with a loose wiggly body. Is easily leashed and brought outside. Once outside to the street Pretzel Bite quickly relieves herself and starts exploring and is energetic. Pretzel Bite also accepts pets from her handler. After a couple minutes walking around, Pretzel Bite is easily brought inside and goes straight into her kennel without a problem. 3/15/25: Pretzel Bite is at the front of her kennel with a wagging tail when the handler approaches. She is easily leashed and brought outside for her walk. She slightly pulls on the way outside and stops at the computers seeking pets from other staff. Once outside Pretzel Bite relieves herself then continues to pull. When a dog is in view, pretzel bite sits then begins to growl. She is easily redirected and the walk continues. Occasionally Pretzel Bite leans on the handlers leg seeking more pets and accepts them. At the end of the walk Pretzel Bite is easily placed back into her kennel. 3/10/25: Pretzel Bite is standing in her kennel as handler approaches. She then approaches the front and is comfortable taking treats. She is leashed with ease and taken outside for a walk. On the walk she would explore around and walk by the handler's side. She had no reaction to dogs or people. She is then taken to the behavior room for her assessment. Please see behavior assessment notes for more details. She is able to return back to her kennel with no issues.
Date of intake:: 3/8/2025
Summary:: Aloof and fearful
Date of initial:: 3/8/2025
Summary:: Tense and growling during exam and tasks but allows muzzle. Does not escalate
ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Pretzel Bite so we cannot be certain of their behavior in a home environment. However, they will need daily mental and physical activity to stay engaged and exercised. We recommend long-lasting chews, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek games, in additional to physical exercise, to positively direct their energy and enthusiasm.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: Level 2
Recommendations:: No young children (under 5)
Recommendations comments:: No young children (under 5): Due to fearful behavior we recommend a home with no young children.
Potential challenges: : Fearful/potential for defensive aggression
Potential challenges comments:: Fearful Defensive: Pretzel Bite has been observed to be fearful during intake and during his medical exam. During his medical exam Pretzel was observed to growl during the exam. It is important to move slowly with Pretzel, to build positive associations (treats/toys/praise), and to allow them to initiate interactions with new people. They should never be forced to greet or to interact if they are not comfortable and soliciting attention. Please see handout on Fearful and Defensive Aggression.