Update Provided On Dog With Serious Skin Condition

STAMFORD, CT — Months after being found by Stamford Animal Control in "horrible condition," with a bacteria infection all over his body, a Shar Pei mix with a heart of gold has started to show signs of improvement. Tuck has been through a lot since he was found in February, having to be put on antibiotics and special medications as doctors attempted to figure out what was wrong with his skin.

In early April, Tuck was picked up by Project Precious Rescue, a Stamford-based nonprofit that brought him to a foster family to heal. In June, the organization said on its Facebook page that Tuck "still [had] sores and ulcerations" despite frequent medicated baths and sprays, daily medications and specially compounded creams.

Since then, Tuck was diagnosed with an autoimmune skin disease called pemphigus. According to PPR Director Kristy Morrell, his skin has shown a definite improvement thanks to a new medication regimen, which includes Apoquel, prednisone and medicated baths a few times a week.

"It can take months for this condition to go into remission, but our dermatologist is hopeful," Morrell said in an email to Patch. "He is due to go back for a re-check next week."

See also: Dog With Serious Skin Condition Needs Your Help

Despite this encouraging news, the resilient canine did have a new issue pop up last month when he experienced facial nerve paralysis, which caused one side of his face to droop and prevented him from blinking the eye on that side.

"We consulted with a neurologist who said due to the sudden onset and his young age, this paralysis is likely idiopathic and there is a 50/50 chance it could resolve over the next few months," Morrell said. "We have seen some improvement with this as well, so hopefully it will resolve itself fully eventually."

Despite this setback on top of numerous others, Tuck has remained the sweet and loving dog he was when Stamford Animal Control found him over six months ago.

"Tuck's personality is absolutely amazing," Morrell said. "He is so tolerant, as his foster mom has to be pretty hands on when it comes to his treatments. He is always a star patient at the vet, and he loves other dogs and all people he meets."

As PPR is non-for profit, the rising cost of Tuck's medical bills can be expensive for the organization. Anyone who wishes to donate to PPR and help pay for Tuck's medical expenses can do so at their website.