“Rusty” Vullo is about 14 years old, and has been a patient of RVH since 1998. “Rusty” never really had any major problems until June of 2008 when he had a recurring back injury.  At that time, he also had major surgery where biopsies of his liver were taken and it was discovered that he had hepatic lipidosis.  After several weeks of intensive care by his mom and dad he recovered well!

In 2008 “Rusty” was diagnosed with diabetes and he has been on insulin ever since.  Then, he developed cataracts secondary to the diabetes and he had to go to an ophthalmologist in Buffalo for several procedures over many months.  He is now blind, but he is comfortable and no longer in pain.  He is now doing very well with his eyes especially if he wears his “Doggles”.  As if nothing else could go wrong, in April of 2009 “Rusty” developed a very serious disease called pancreatitis.  He had to be hospitalized for several days, but he is one tough little man and he recovered without a problem.

“Rusty” is a wonderful dog, and we always love seeing him.  He has definitely mellowed in his old age.  He used to like to show us his teeth, but now he just grins!  What a cutie!!!