Jerry – Tampa, FL
ESRA Special Needs Springer
ESRA #2012-226 AL
Age: Just a pup
Gender: Male
Color: Black and white
This beautiful little puppy, only four months old when he came to us, is in ESRA's Special Needs Program because of a birth defect seen very rarely in Springers called a "dermoid sinus." It is more commonly found in Rhodesian Ridgebacks and we thank our friends in the the Rhodesian Ridgeback rescue organization for helping us learn about this rare condition and steering us to the Florida veterinarian most experienced with surgical treatment of it so we can get Jerry the help he needs.
In a nutshell, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons describes the condition like this:
A dermoid sinus is a tubular skin defect caused by incomplete separation of the skin and the neural tube during embryonic development. The depth of the defect varies. The tube may extend into the tissue just beneath the skin, it may extend deeper and connect to the membrane covering the spinal cord (dura mater), or it may be a blind ended sac beneath the skin. The sinus can be found at any point along the back or neck, but most commonly affects the cervical or cranial thoracic area.
Surgical removal of the dermoid is the only way to correct this problem. So Jerry's first step will be to be seen by a veterinarian who is familiar with this rare condition to get a solid estimate of the cost of the procedure, the length of recovery and rehabilitation time, and the prognosis for Jerry's future which we assume will be a happy one. Dermoid sinus is not a life threatening condition in itself but in the future could result in chronic infections and extreme discomfort for Jerry if not treated while he is still a pup. The initial vet visit is already scheduled and we'll report what we're told as soon as we know. Watch for updates on this page!
Meanwhile ESRA is asking for donations to help pay for this important surgery for Jerry. He is a wonderful, otherwise healthy, bouncy, happy little Springer puppy. His prognosis after surgery is very optimistic. With the successful procedure behind him, Jerry should live a long and happy life!
If you can help by sponsoring Jerry with a monetary donation, no matter how big or small, please click on the link below. Jerry will send you a personal note of thanks!
UPDATE 4/4/12: UPDATE FROM JERRY'S SURGERY — not for the faint of heart: Jerry has undergone the surgical removal of his dermoid sinus and is already back in his foster home recuperating well.
The vet was able to document the procedure beautifully and we share the photographs here for the learning experience. Few of us will ever see this condition again but if we do, we'll know what to expect AND we'll know the expert to consult. Dr. Stine has been performing Dermoid Sinus procedures for over 20 years. This is the first he has seen in a Springer Spaniel.
Thank you, Dr. Gene Stine of Countryside Animal Hospital, for your surgical skills and good care of ESRA's Jerry!
UPDATE 4/11/12: Good news — no cause for alarm! On Monday we noticed Jerry had quite a bit of swelling around his stitches so Dr. Stine was called. He advised that we ice the area but when the swelling didn't seem to go down, I called Dr. Stine again today. He advised that I take Jerry to my local Veterinarian and have the swollen area lanced.
We were relieved that the swelling was only a build up of clear fluid and there was no sign of infection. Jerry's temperature was normal and he has gained 3 pounds since last Tuesday! My Vet, Dr. Aimee, was very pleased with how his incision is healing. She also felt it will be very important that Jerry have his stitches and staples removed by Dr. Stine, so he could further evaluate the progress of Jerry's very unique surgery. Thanks to our volunteer, Ron Press, for being willing to drive Jerry back to Dr. Stine's practice in Alachua when that time comes. Jerry has LOTS of good friends!
UPDATE 4/22/12: Jerry is good to go! Ron Press was kind enough to drive Jerry to Countryside Animal Clinic in Alachua where his stitches and staples were removed. Dr. Stine also gave Jerry's incision a laser treatment and pronounced Jerry good to go! He no longer needs any antibiotics and even though he still has a little fluid buildup around the incision, Dr. Stine showed Ron how to massage it so any fluid will be re-absorbed into his body. So, he still has a little "peanut" on his head but two weeks ago he had an "orange."
Jerry is officially a very naughty puppy boy and we have to make sure there are no shoes left around the house. He drags poor Ria, his foster sister, around by her ear and she lets him. Her mom has to comb out Ria's ears every night or she will have "Little Jerry" mats. Our next update should be news about Jerry's adoption. Needless to say, we have a wealth of applicants from which to choose.
Contact: Susan Zuker at smitch5@tampabay.rr.com if you want to hear more about Jerry.
CLICK HERE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR JERRY
| JERRY’S GENEROUS SPONSORS TO DATE: | |
|---|---|
 Mike Freeland |
In memory of Annie and Molly |
| George Boettcher Jr. |
In memory of Luke and Mr. Ripley |
| Bobbie Ginnane |
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| Cathryne Slaughter |
Im memory of Angel Maggie |
| Cathy Scheffer and Buddy |
Bests of luck, Jerry! |
| Colleen Brown |
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| Maureen Williams |
In memory of Chester |
| Carol Sanderson |
In memory of Sweet Amos |
| Jeff Rosiek |
In memory of Dudley, my first Springer. Jerry, Wishing you the best of luck and love in your recovery. Love, Duncan, Ria and Sammie Rosiek |
| Ray and Monica Smith |
In memory of Chance and Benji |
| Patty and Dave Perkey |
In memory of Ms. Georgia Perkey |
| Connie Vice |
In memory of Sophie, Minnie and Prince |
| Lee Short |
In memory of Dax, the Super Springer. Jerry, I am so happy I am the one you barked at and got my attention! Get better! |
| Ben and Shelley Fishman |
In honor of Sam, our new rescue Springer |
| Millie Christopher |
In memory of Judie Lemsky's little Amber |
| Carolyn Molloy |
May you be back to puppy antics quickly! Woo Woo from Ricky on the other coast. |
| Kim Mattnews |
In honor of all of the dedicated ESRA Southeast volunteers |
| Lenn and Charlie Jackson |
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| Shirley Copley |
We hope Jerry's recovery is quick and he can be adopted to a loving home. Good luck, Jerry! |
| Christine Borzumato-Gainey |
In memory of Safari |
| Jan Mitchell |
In memory of Toby in Colorado |
| Michael Smith |
In memory of Tom |
| Martha Smith |
In memory of Tom |
| Denis Weber |
May God continue to bless your road to recovery, Jerry! |
| Anna and Harvey Smith |
Get well soon, little buddy...kisses, Bella |
| Richard Weiss |
A gift for Jerry and to thank Ron and Meredith Press for setting up the spring picnic |
| Debra Sidman |
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| Melinda Robertson |
In memory of Bogey |
| Amy and Chris Blazejowski |
In memory of Kirby, Casey, Toby, and Tabitha |
| Diane Nagel |
In memory of Rosa, our first Springer Spaniel |
| David and Rosita Maley |
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| Sharon and Pete Genix |
In memory of Nala and Bobie |
| Nita Watson |
In memory of my Max and in honor of all my wonderful ESRA friends |
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