x
Breaking News
More () »

Dog shot in the face in Virginia Beach recovering

Veterinarians said Pearl is continuing to recovery following surgery to remove the bullet.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A rescue organization said the dog that was shot in the face in Virginia Beach is recovering well.

Pearl, a hound/puttie mix, was found injured and left behind a warehouse in the 5800 block of Ferry Road on May 30 around 7:30 a.m.

RELATED: Dog in Virginia Beach found shot in face

Officials said when the dog was shot, the bullet entered the top of her nose, passed through her hard palate, and it ended up lodged in her lower jaw. She rushed to Blue Pearl Emergency Hospital, where she underwent X-rays. 

Twenty-four hours later, the dog was in surgery to remove the bullet.

Credit: Compassion For Canines Facebook

At first, Compassion For Canines said the dog was unable to eat because of the damage done to her hard palate, and she had a severe infection.

However, things are now looking better for Pearl, who was named by the Compassion For Canines. According to an update on their Facebook page, Pearl had a recheck by a surgeon on June 11 and her soft repair site is healing well. Dr. Triveri said he thinks she can begin eating small meatballs of wet food next Monday.

Compassion for Canines said the skin incision under Pearl's neck where the bullet was removed has healed, however, X-rays show there are still a few metal fragments lodged in her neck that have caused some swelling. Doctors said the fragments will likely need to be removed in the not-so-distant future if they continue to cause irritation.

Since her surgery, Pearl has gained 6 pounds, which is great news! Officials said she continues to become more feisty each day, and she loves to play with her foster sisters.

So far, over $3,500 has been raised to help Pearl. Click here to make a donation.

Animal Control said the dog didn't have a collar or microchip.  Officers are looking for possible owner(s) and information on who may have shot the dog. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Virginia Beach Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

Before You Leave, Check This Out