Entered: 12/29/2004
Status: Adopted
Age: 6
Color: Liver/White
Weight:
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Richmond, VA
Health: Good, will see specialist for possible bilateral cataracts
Temperament: Excellent
Updated 1/20/05: Freckles has been examined by the veterinary ophthalmologist and he has been diagnosed with retinal dysplasia in both eyes. This is a congenital condition and translates to some degree of impaired vision. The eye specialist felt he had a “mild” case and that most likely his condition will not further deteriorate to blindness.
Freckles continues to excel in his foster home. While he still loves the furniture, he understands not all the furniture is acceptable for his resting! He continues to be a joy and has the classic springer personality – spirit and sweetness combined!!!
Freckles is a very lively six month old puppy. He was relinquished to MAESSR because his original family felt he was “too much to handle” with his outgoing and curious ways.
Original: Freckles is an exuberant puppy but listens well. He is in a foster home with two male springers under four years old and has blended in seamlessly. He is a constant and persistent playmate with the eighteen-month-old resident dog. He has not been tested with cats yet.
Freckles had successfully completed puppy obedience classes with his former family. His understanding of “sit” and “down” are being reinforced by his foster family and Freckles is developing a consistent and reliable “come”. He is housebroken and will go to the door to be let out. He will crate with much reticence and then settles down until it is time to be let out, at which time, it is party-time! Freckles also loves to go on walks.
When Freckles was neutered in early December, the vet advised that he may have cataracts in both eyes. While puppy/juvenile onset cataracts are found in several breeds, they are rare in springers. Freckles has an appointment in mid-January with a veterinary ophthalmologist to have his eyes examined. In most cataract cases, surgery is not performed unless vision is impaired. There is no indication Freckles has any problem with his vision at present. However, as he matures, surgery may be needed which could range up to $3000 for both eyes. He could also live his full life with no need for surgery. Once he sees the specialist, MAESSR will have a better understanding of his prognosis and future medical needs.
Freckles is a very lovable puppy. His tail never stops wagging and he loves being with people of all ages. He is a fan of water too. His relinquishing family reported that he loved jumping in their koi pond and playing in the stream on their property. While the exuberance of this pup can be quite admirable and entertaining, placement in a family with children under 6 would not be recommended. As more information on his eye exam and progress in his foster home become available, updates will be added on this fun-loving youngster!