Smudge is a 5 year old pit bull mix who was adopted from a shelter following a horrific life.  He was a pull from a hoarding/fighting situation where over 150 dogs were confiscated as part of a cruelty case.  His teeth were ground down and he has many scars on his head and face.  He joined a couple which had another rescue, an emotionally fragile girl who was in desperate need of a friend.  Smudge adapted surprisingly well to his freedom, becoming a best friend to his little “sister”, and holding no grudges over what humans had done to him in the past.  The owners went their separate ways after awhile, but shared custody of Smudge and his sister.  One day, Smudge lost his appetite.  He became lethargic and lost approximately 10 of his 40 pound body weight.  The owners were not in a position to pay a large vet bill to diagnose his problem, so FL. CHAIN stepped in.  Smudge was seen for basic exam, bloodwork, and x-rays, all of which came back NORMAL!  It was recommended that he undergo an abdominal ultrasound, a procedure that the first vet was not equipped to perform.  Smudge was transferred to Dr. Amy Huff of Animal Clinic of Leesburg, where the ultrasound came back clean!  Still, with no diagnosis, Smudge was still not eating or drinking.  He was dehydrated, so was seen by yet another vet for IV fluids and an xray of his lungs.  Again, there was no diagnosis.  Smudge was placed on prednisone, and sent home.  He is currently eating and drinking some.  There is certainly continuing concern about what caused the severe weight loss and what might happen when the prednisone therapy is completed.  We pray for Smudge, and hope that he will recover from whatever strange malady has beset him!