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To help Axel nurse from his bottle comfortably, our ever-innovative veterinarian Dr. Martin made a special prosthetic to insert into his mouth during feedings.
With Axel finally able to get the nutrition he needed consistently, he began to get stronger. His inquisitive and often silly personality began to shine!
Our staff celebrated every small victory, but just as our little guy was getting the hang of eating, Axel developed a severe upper respiratory infection. He had been fighting so hard, but wasn’t ready to give up yet.
Axel was brought to our shelter at only 10 days old. This tiny pug was so hungry, but had been unable to nurse successfully from his mother due to a cleft palate. Even getting formula from a bottle was a mountain to climb for this little one.
On top of all of that, our team would come to realize that he was living with a chronic condition called hydrocephalus, which is a neurological disorder caused by a buildup of fluid in his brain.
Axel was placed in the care of Sanford shelter manager, Michelle, who has had extensive experience caring for pets with similar cleft palate issues in the past.
Our veterinary team was able to provide the needed medications and a treatment plan, which included time in a special nebulizer box to help him breathe more easily. After a few weeks of specialized care and lots of love, Axel began to feel much better.
After being in our care for five months, Axel had grown into a confident young pup. His cleft palate had also begun to close as he got older, its size reducing by 50-75%!
As his future began to look bright, we knew he might need long-term support for his neurological condition. Luckily, we were able to find placement for him with the incredible Pug Rescue of Florida and Georgia, who have been wonderful in guiding Axel into this next phase of his life.
Through the five months that Axel found comfort and healing with Pet Alliance, our Shelter Stars were right beside us supporting him.
No matter what comes through our doors, we know we can take it on with your help!
