The Incomparable Conrad

UPDATE: This bestest boy was adopted 3/26/23!!!

You’ve seen us post this good boy for months now, and many of you are likely wondering why Conrad has not been adopted yet (we wonder about this too, because he is ah-mazing). So, we thought we’d do a more detailed bio on this sweet pup.

Conrad came to RAL by way of one of our animal control partners in October 2022. He tested positive for heartworm and Ehrlichia, had significant dental disease and elevated kidney values (suspect secondary to the heartworm and Ehrlichia), and was emaciated.

After starting his heartworm treatment in November, we found he had a significant ear infection in one of his ears and polyps in the ear canal. We tried to manage this with medication, including a diet trial, because he also had chronic diarrhea. Skin and GI issues combined often mean a dog has food allergies. Sadly, he did not respond to the treatment. So we decided to consult with a veterinary dermatologist. 

With the physical changes to Conrad’s ear, it was decided that it would be easier for Conrad and a potential adopter to do a Total Ear Canal Ablation, or TECA, on his affected ear. This surgical procedure removes the diseased tissue of the external and middle ear and allows for a pain-free ear that does not require long-term medical management. Following the surgery, a biopsy of his ear came back clear, but a culture revealed that he had a really resistant bacterial infection, requiring injectable antibiotics for ten days to make sure it was cleared from his system.

So, with the ear and bacterial infection under control, we had to address Conrad’s chronic diarrhea, which still showed no real improvement. We decided to get a little weird and try a fecal transplant. A staff member’s dog kindly volunteered some poop (the fecal transplant requires a sample from a physically healthy but also friendly and social dog because the microbiome is essential to this treatment). 

Conrad’s BMs have been pretty good since the fecal transplant (except when he is a bad boy and samples cat poop on his walks). With the improvements in his skin and stool, we are trying him on a fish-based food that will be more accessible to his future adopters than a prescription diet. (He is currently eating a fish-based Kirkland brand food from Costco).

Things haven’t been all treatment and medical testing for this goofy boy. Conrad has enjoyed time in foster care, loves hanging with the volunteers, and has spent time in multiple foster homes. And he is a favorite for events because of his outgoing personality, which makes him a perfect ambassador for RAL. He just loves meeting all the people and getting tons of attention during his visits.

Conrad has also played hero to three different kittens by donating blood for special serum eye drops. Notorious CAT, Harbour, and Harlan all had eye ulcers that were not responding to regular drops. Conrad’s blood was used to make the special drops, and all three kittens saw significant improvement after treatment with his drops. Today (March 23, 2023), Conrad donated blood yet again to make eye drops for a new kitten.

Despite all the setbacks in his life, Conrad has remained a happy-go-lucky dude and quickly became a staff and volunteer favorite. We’re all rooting for him every day and can’t wait for him to find his perfect family!