The central Alberta Humane Society is seeking donations for a special priority case.

Meet Sterling, the German Shepherd.

This guy needs help finding his silver lining. This beautiful boy was pulled from the euthanasia line up at a shelter across the border by another rescue organization. After taking him on, they soon realized his medical needs were more significant than they were able to cope with and transferred him to the Central Alberta Humane Society. The in-house veterinary team was shocked by his condition on arrival. He had a very thin body condition, deep and painful skin ulcerations in numerous locations on his body, and evidence of healing skin infections. He had received treatment at the previous shelter, but they did not have the resources to determine the underlying cause of his illness, so Sterling did not respond to the antibiotics given and there was not much more they could do.

It was decided that Sterling deserved at least a diagnosis before deciding if euthanasia was the only option, so the team performed skin biopsies, bacterial cultures and blood work. The results came back as a somewhat unusual condition, called German Shepherd Pyoderma, resulting in some very resistant bacteria causing the deep infections in his skin. German Shepherd Pyoderma is a disease with limited information to guide treatment and prognosis, but based on his lab results the team know Sterling was going to need long term treatment with some very expensive medications.

The bills added up quickly but ultimately the decision was made to give Sterling a chance at healing. He is on the appropriate medications and the team has been monitoring his progress since. He is making steady improvements, his skin is much better, although still has some ways to go. He is re-growing hair and putting on weight, and generally just a good-natured, loving boy.

If you are able to give a donation to support the cost of pricey medications & tests and to give Sterling the gift of healing, the Central Alberta Humane Society (& Sterling of course) would be so thankful.

Click here to help Sterling