Rufus 06-408 [1]

Sponsored by:

Julie K.

Rufus is a 10-11 year old purebred Golden Retriever. Rufus is being returned back to RAGOM due to his eye disease. He initially came into RAGOM in 2006 and we fostered him back then. At that time, he was seen by an eye specialist and was diagnosed with progressive retinal atrophy or PRA. Rufus was blind in his right eye but still had sight in his left eye in 2006. This condition can lead to blindness in both eyes over time and that is where Rufus is at today. He may see some shadows in his left eye but other than that I don't think he sees much anymore.

This condition frequently causes the development of cataracts which can produce off and on inflammation which can lead to higher pressure in the eyes (glaucoma). This can lead to retinal detachment and that can cause hemorrhage in the back of their eye. In Rufus' right eye, this has happened at some point and so his eye is quite red and the whites of this eye look very bloodshot. The vet said that he is past the point where it is painful but we need to keep the pressure down so he gave us drops for both of Rufus' eyes. The drops are put in each eye every morning and Rufus is very good about it. Of course, he needs to have a special treat for being a perfect patient.

Rufus also has a tumor in his right eye called an epibulbar melanoma. It is a benign tumor of the surface of the eyes of dogs. These tumors grow very slowly in older dogs so for now, we are monitoring it. If it should grow too fast for some reason, the eye specialist said he can laser it to stop the progression. If this along with the pressure in the right eye become problematic, he suggested the eye be removed. At this point in time, we both agreed that just treating the pressure and seeing how things go would be in the best interest for Rufus, especially at his age. We don't want to put him under any added surgeries or stress if we don't need to. However, in the future, the right eye may need to be removed.

While at his regular vet checkup, the vet saw that Rufus had teeth with very heavy plaque buildup and some horrible breath. She suggested we get his teeth cleaned and it was more than likely that several teeth would need to be pulled. Last week, Rufus did get his dental cleaning and had 10 teeth pulled. His teeth look so much better and I am sure once his mouth his healed, he will feel much better also. Another thing was discovered while doing his cleaning, and that was a tumor on the under side of Rufus' tongue. They sent that out to see what it is. We will update on that in a few days.

Rufus is eating well and loves attention. We have our two resident dogs and also our other foster dog, Parker 12-254 [2] so Rufus is just part of the pack. Rufus is a sweet, mellow, boy in his golden years who despite losing his sight, seems to enjoy life. He loves going out each morning to take his roll in the grass and his stroll around the entire yard sniffing at anything and everything. Rufus has learned the layout of the house pretty fast and also where the two deck steps are to get down into the yard. In his previous home, he has been called "Copper" for the past 6 years so that is what we call him. He is a very good boy and he listens well.

Rufus went to Bubbly Paws recently and got a very nice bath and brushing. He came home with his dark red coat all shiny and clean. Thanks to Amy L. for helping out with the three dogs I brought for baths that day.

If you are looking for a dog to sponsor, RAGOM and Rufus would appreciate any help you would like to give. With his dental work and eye care, we have stacked up some bills in a very short time. Without your donations, RAGOM would not be able to help as many dogs as they do each year.

If you would like a sweet, mellow companion that still has a lot of love to give, please let your Placement Advisor know.