Help for Col. Potter Cairn Shem

Shem is a 10-year old Cairn boy who came into Col. Potter with his older sister from a horrendous environment of neglect. Besides being a bit pudgy, he seemed pretty healthy in all other ways, despite not having seen a vet for several years. When he had his vet checkup, we knew he needed all his vaccines, which had long expired, and a dental exam and cleaning. This is usually fairly routine care, but his vet found that his periodontal disease is quite advanced and will require major oral surgery. Poor guy…the gums in the back of his mouth are bright red and infected. It must be painful, so until he’s cleared for his dental, he’s enjoying mostly soft food so as not to further inflame his gums. He has a discernible heart arrhythmia, likely due to the untreated periodontal disease. If that weren’t enough, we asked the vet to do a rectal exam because he was “scooting,” and she discovered that he also has an anal gland
infection, probably made worse from living in squalor for too long. His grade 1 medial patella luxation is small beans compared to these other issues, and will not need to be surgically treated, as long as he doesn’t try leaping tall buildings. Shem’s dental procedures are scheduled for August 29, so we hope to provide a cheery update on his condition soon after that. Despite the pain he must be having, he is an easygoing, happy, wiggly little boy who loves to cuddle and be close to his human. He is also a great brother to his blind older sister - here they are having a little fun: https://youtu.be/QpT0EchdS-w.

Thank you for helping us to provide the best of care to Shem. We could not save these precious furkids without your generous donations.

Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network

Thank you so much for your support! Your donation is tax deductible! Our Federal Tax ID Number is 33-0954902. Any donations exceeding Shem's bills will be put toward another needy Col. Potter Cairn.