AN ADORABLE two-year old Rottweiler is looking for a special home after being rescued by anurse who spotted the distressed dog attempting to be sold by two men.

When the animal loving nurse spotted the dog with chains around his head on her way home from the hospital she works at, she stopped and approached the men offering money to let her take the dog who was clearly not well.

The dog has now been taken in by Wellington-based dog rescue, Rottie Friends Rescue, and is ready to begin a new chapter in his life at a home in Somerset. 

Somerset County Gazette:

Angela Curtis, from Rottie Friends Rescue, said: “When Bernard arrived here he was under weight, weak and it was obvious that something was not right even though he had no visual injuries. After frequent vet trips and a referral to a specialist Neurology vet’s, tests revealed that he has Hydrocephalus. This is a condition that can be present at birth but sadly it is felt his abuse made this worse.

“Initially Bernard did not have the jaw strength to eat solid food and everything had to be liquidized for him, but with physio and play this has improved and he can now eat good quality kibble.

“Despite everything, Bernard has adapted quickly and loves to play and being with people he knows. He is fully mobile and loves to run. He is wonky but wonderful.”

Hydrocephalus is a condition that typically affects puppies and is usually congenital, for example, it is present before or at birth. Alternatively, it can be acquired via an external influence such as head trauma, exposure to toxins, bacteria and viruses, cancer and Vitamin A deficiency. 

It is also known as 'water on the brain' as it is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain as a result of the normal regulatory system via the brain's ventricles becoming disrupted.

Bernard’s health, Angela Curtis said: “Options were discussed at his Neurology appointment after his scan and the stent operation was felt to be too intrusive and recovery is lengthy and results vary greatly. Steroid treatment was tried for a month and had an adverse effect causing him to lose weight very quickly rather than put it on like most other dogs.

“Bernard functions well with a set routine, good diet and physio and has regular check-ups."

Bernard is listed on dog adoption site dogsblog.com and is looking for a home in Somerset, Devon, Hampshire or Cornwall.

His new home will need a large garden or land and space for an outdoor kennel or room that could be converted because dogs with Hydrocephalus drink frequently, they always need the toilet frequently especially at night time so a kennel and run are needed for night time and when out although he loves to come inside a house when supervised.

Dogsblog.com co-founder Kim O’Meara, said: “We would dearly love to help Bernard find the right new home and soon so he can begin his life in the way we hope all dogs should – surrounded by the right environment, lots of love and happiness. No dog should have to go through what he has, but a better future is around the corner.”

Vet Andrew Bucher says that Bernard is making great progress. 

“Bernard's story is very touching indeed and I must say how amazing he is to have made such progress since being rescued," he said. 

“Hydrocephalus in puppies can be quite variable in its prognosis but the fact that Bernard is not on medicines, making steady and continued progress with a set routine, good diet and physio is all very positive.

“Bernard definitely needs an understanding pet parent but the signs do look encouraging for him to lead a happy and good quality of life with the correct support. One never knows the future of course but Bernard should be given the opportunity to find out."