Sterling's Web Page

Shetland Sheepdog Sheltie (medium coat) : : Male (neutered) : : Baby : : Small

Sterling is NOT AVAILABLE for Adoption due to Medical Condition.

Sterling was born on June 18, 2018 with Patent Ductus Arteriosus to a small hobby breeder here in Ohio. His Breeder being financially unable to provide the Required PVA surgery necessary for Sterling to live beyond a few months chose to "Owner Surrender" Sterling as a Puppy to Central Ohio Sheltie Rescue where he would have a better chance of receiving the much needed surgery. COSR immediately took Sterling to the Miracle Workers at MedVet in Worthington for evaluation by World Famous Cardiac Surgeon, Dr. Yanni Giatis, DVM, DACVIM.

Upon initial examination at just 12 weeks of age, Sterling's prognosis was Grim and even worse than we expected. Dr. Giatis determined that Sterling was in the final stages of Congestive Heart Failure and it was Not possible to perform the PVA surgery necessary to save his life, because of all the fluids in and around his tiny little heart. Sterling was sent home with a prescription of Furosemide (Lasix for Dogs) and we were told that IF Sterling could survive for a week, to bring him back for another exam. After 7 very long days, Sterling went back to see Dr. Giatis again and the decision was made (It's basically Do or Die at this point). With no promises of a successful outcome, Dr. Giatis cancelled a previously planned vacation and came in on his day off to perform Sterling's PVA surgery. Sterling came through the hours long invasive surgery like the little trooper that he still is today and was sent home for a 30 day sedated rest period.

At Sterling's first checkup, 4 months post surgery, Sterling was Super Excited to see his Hero, Dr. Yanni as much as Dr. Yanni was to see Sterling still getting better. A new heart scan was performed and Dr. Yanni determined that the "Plug" placed into Sterling's heart during the surgery had grown into place very well and there was no signs of leakage detected. However, not all of the News was as good. Sterling's heart muscle was still very weak and Dr. Yanni placed Sterling on much stronger version of his heart medication (PIMOBENDAN) and told Sterling that he wanted to see him again in about 6 months for another check-up, but said that Sterling Heart was NOT strong enough for his next surgery to repair a Hernia from Birth and for his standard rescue required neuter. Sterling is scheduled for his next check-up in August 2019.

Sterling is NOT AVAILABLE for Adoption due to Medical Condition.

Sponsorships are available with Sterling to help cover his

1) Monthly Pimobendan Medication ($91.00 per month)

2) Monthly Goat's Milk ($30.00 per month)

2) next scheduled check-up in August ($450.00)