ALFONSO – A1119434 

ALFONSO – A1119434

MALE, BR BRINDLE / BLACK, MASTIFF MIX, 10 yrs
STRAY – STRAYAVAI, NO HOLD Reason STRAY
Intake condition GERIATRIC Intake Date 07/23/2017, From NY 10459, DueOut Date 07/26/2017,

Medical Behavior Evaluation BLUE
Medical Summary DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: geriatric, ~ 10+ years Microchip noted on Intake? History : stray Subjective: quiet, mod depressed, mod responsive older dog Observed Behavior – tense during PE, allowed most but was head shy and resists exam of eye/mouth Evidence of Cruelty seen – no Evidence of Trauma seen – no Objective P = 112 R = incr, slight pant BCS 4/9 EENT: OU heavy mucoid ocular d/c, crusting around both eyes, corneal opacification; AU thickened/scarred pinna L>R, thickened/stenotic ear canals (severe) with mild/mod ceruminous d/c; no nasal discharge noted Oral Exam: would not allow PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: incr HR and RR when resting but also tense during PE, NMA; lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: intact male MSI: Ambulatory x 4, slow/stiff hingdlimb gait, decreased strength/muscle atrophy; calluses at elbows; skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: mentation appropriate but mild/mod depressed likely due to age; no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: not done due to behav. Assessment: geriatric dog with mild/mod depressed behav. – did not seem to react much to stimulation/sound but could be due age – OU mucoid d/c /corneal scarring — chronic KCS vs other – AU scarred pinna/stenotic ear canals — chronic otitis – arthritic gait Plan: flush/cleaned eyes – monitor/clean – clean ears – rec’ gen. BW – rec’ monitor gait and give pain meds as needed (if BW is ok) Prognosis: fair – older dog with chronic eye/ear issues and likely gen. arthritis/weakened strength from age SURGERY: Permanent waiver due to age
Weight 84.4

A volunteer writes: Curled up on his bed sleeping most of the morning, when I stroked him gently he woke up and came forward as I talked to him. Al is an old guy, reminding me of my Uncle George, slow, deliberate, a little bit stubborn (he wanted to go in his direction, not mine), friendly and gentle. He suffers from some arthritis so the cold and rain wasn’t helping him so I didn’t keep him out long, just long enough to go potty. Once he got his legs moving, he walked nicely on leash, but again, that slow deliberate walk of age and discomfort. He let me attempt to clean his eyes, but I didn’t want to hurt him so when I couldn’t easily remove the goop I stopped trying. Al is looking for his retirement home, a soft bed, good food, and medical care for what ails him. He’s a sweetheart who seems to have lived a good life until now. He knows what a bed is, as when he stepped into his kennel he got right onto the bed, arranged the blanket to his liking and settled down. I swore I saw him wink at me as a thank you. Our gentle giant needs you today and his wink of appreciation will make it all worthwhile.

BEHAVIOR:

KNOWN HISTORY: None

07/23/17

Intact male, stray

SAFER ASSESSMENT:

07/25/17

Look: 1. Dog leans forward or jumps up to lick the Assessor’s face with tail wagging, ears back and eyes averted.

Sensitivity: 1. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, his eyes are averted, and his tail is in neutral position with relaxed body posture. Dog’s mouth is likely closed for at least a portion of the assessment item.

Tag: 1. Follows at end of leash, body soft

Squeeze 1: 1. Dog gently pulls back his paw. Dog may lick hand.

Squeeze 2:1. Dog gently pulls back his paw.

Toy: 1. No interest

Summary: Alfonso was tolerant and allowed all handling, he leaned into the assessor throughout and solicited some attention. He may do best upon a slow and soft approach.

PLAYGROUP:

Alfonso is neutral, gives a brief wag when greeting the female greeter dog.  When introduced off leash, he is polite when approaching, follows, sniffs.

INTAKE BEHAVIOR:

07/23/17

Upon intake, Alfonso was relaxed and allowed all handling.

MEDICAL BEHAVIOR:

07/23/17

During his initial medical examination, Alfonso was timid though allowed all handling.

ENERGY LEVEL:

Alfonso displays a low energy level at this time; we cannot be certain of his behavior in a home environment.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Experience (Suitable for an adopter with a previous amount of dog experience)

_X_No young children (under 5)

Potential challenges:

_X_Fearful: Though observed to be human-social, Alfonso may need time to warm up to the handler as he initially  presents as a fearful dog, avoiding contact, shying away from direct touch. We recommend allowing Alfonso to interact at his own pace, force-free, rewarding based training is advised when introducing him to new/unfamiliar situations.

7/23: Alfonso is neutral, gives a brief wag when greeting the female greeter dog.  When introduced off leash, he is polite when approaching, follows, sniffs.

7/24: Alfonso is polite when greeting, then keeps otherwise to himself.

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