Fitness influencer Ryan Russo, once known for his extensive experimentation with SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) and various research chemicals, is now at the center of a deeply troubling story involving the loss of his dog, an American Bully named Bane.
In a since-deleted video reviewed by fellow fitness content creator Coach Kolton, Russo openly admitted to giving his dog a muscle-building supplement in order to make the dog a larger, more impressive presence on his social media platforms.
As Russo explained in his own words: “I wanted my dog to be a certain weight and decided to give my dog a supplement, a muscle building supplement.”
The consequences were devastating. Bane, who Russo described as “a complete goofball,” began drinking excessive amounts of water, a warning sign that Russo acknowledged but largely ignored at the time. According to Russo, the dog’s condition deteriorated rapidly, eventually leading to kidney failure.
“I believe that I initiated onset of kidney failure with my dog,” Russo said. “I definitely pushed him over the edge trying to build status, whatever that is, off making him a bigger dog along with me.”
Bane was only one year old when he was put down. Russo described the experience: “It eventually got to a point where I got to have the experience of going to the vet and watching the vet put my dog down.”
Coach Kolton, who has followed Russo’s trajectory for years, noted that sources familiar with the situation allege the dog was healthy when Russo first acquired him, directly contradicting Russo’s claims that Bane was already unwell. Those same sources suggest the muscle-building supplement Russo used was likely some form of SARM protocol, given Russo’s well-documented history of promoting and using these. Kolton pointed out that few natural supplements would produce the kind of significant muscle gain Russo appeared to be targeting.
Rather than consulting a veterinarian when the dog began showing signs of distress, Russo continued administering the supplements. He later framed his grief through what he described as “transmutation,” channeling the emotional pain of losing Bane into gym sessions rather than seeking professional guidance.
Kolton was critical of this approach, pointing out that the logical first step upon noticing a dog drinking abnormal amounts of water would have been a trip to the vet and a basic blood work panel, not continuing to administer unverified compounds.
Russo has since faced legal troubles, including charges of stalking, harassment, and personal threats, and was denied bail twice on concerns of being a threat to public safety.
