Rescue Dog Pierre Was Neglected and Returned—Now His Elongated Soft Palate Threatens His Future
Adoptions are meant to give dogs a fresh start, but for Pierre, the outcome was tragically different. Once a healthy and happy dog, he was returned to the same shelter he was adopted from—in a heartbreaking state. His ears were infected, his skin was covered in scabs, and his feet were painfully swollen. (Watch the video below)
Source: @NorCal Bully Breed Rescue
Seeing his dire condition, the shelter staff acted quickly, reaching out to Norcal Bully Breed Rescue, who stepped in to give Pierre the urgent care he desperately needed.
Pierre’s Dark Past And Resulting Medical Issues
Pierre’s condition revealed signs of severe neglect and mistreatment. Shelter staff noted that his feet were covered in feces and urine upon arrival, indicating he had been confined to a filthy crate for the past six months.
In addition to his external medical issues, Pierre struggles with breathing problems as well as frequent regurgitation and vomiting. The Sacramento-based rescue believes these problems are caused by an elongated soft palate—a condition where excess tissue at the back of the throat obstructs airflow and hinders food from passing properly.
Despite enduring such dire circumstances, Pierre’s spirit remains unbroken—he is still a sweet and loving dog.
The Road Forward
Pierre urgently requires surgery to remove the excess tissue in his throat, which will significantly improve his ability to breathe and eat comfortably. Beyond this, he also needs to see a dermatologist for a specialized treatment plan to address the severe infections in his feet and ears—care that goes beyond what a routine veterinary visit can provide.
However, this level of medical attention comes at a cost. According to the rescue, Pierre’s overall treatment expenses, including surgery and infection care, are estimated to be around $4,000.
To raise the necessary funds, the rescue turned to social media, urging followers to donate and help give Pierre a fighting chance.
Just one week later, the rescue shared an encouraging update on Facebook: thanks to generous supporters, they were able to take Pierre in. He now has vet appointments scheduled for his feet, skin, and ears, and is thriving in a loving foster home with Whitney and Jason.
How You Can Contribute in Pierre’s Care?
If all goes well, Pierre is on track to make a full recovery and become a healthy, happy dog once again—all thanks to the generous donations and the tireless efforts of the rescue.
Despite everything Pierre has endured, the shelter staff only have kind words to share about him. Described as a little fighter, Pierre is an extremely friendly dog who remained patient and accepting of his treatments during his time at the shelter.
You can support Pierre’s recovery and help other medical cases like his by donating to the incredible team at Norcal Bully Breed Rescue. Visit this link to contribute and make a difference.
Pet Rescue Advocate Rocky Kanaka says, “Pierre’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of how resilient dogs can be, even in the face of unimaginable neglect. He’s been through so much, but thanks to the compassion of his rescuers and supporters, he’s finally getting the care he deserves.”
Elongated Soft Palate in Dogs
Pierre is suspected of having an elongated soft palate, for which he may require surgery. But what does it actually mean? According to veterinarians at VCA Animal Hospitals, “A dog with an elongated soft palate (the soft part of the roof of the mouth) has a soft palate that is too long for the length of the mouth; the excess length partially blocks the entrance to the trachea (windpipe) at the back of the throat.”
Brachycephalic dogs, characterized by their shortened skull bones, are prone to a unique set of respiratory issues. Breeds of dogs like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers are affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which alters the anatomy of their upper airways. This can lead to physical problems and breathing difficulties.
Elongated palate in dogs is an abnormality that is usually associated with brachycephalic syndrome. Other abnormalities of this syndrome can include laryngeal collapse, stenotic nares, everted laryngeal saccules, extended nasopharyngeal turbinates, and hypoplastic trachea.
Dog Elongated Soft Palate Symptoms
VetScalpel, a veterinary CO2 laser manufacturer, asserts that canine elongated soft palate can have following clinical signs:
- Breathing difficulties
- Snoring
- Stridor (high-pitched breathing sounds)
- Snorting
- Gagging
If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen, leading to:
- Reluctance to exercise
- Potential airway collapse
Early treatment is crucial to prevent secondary complications and ensure the effectiveness of corrective surgery. Delaying treatment can reduce the success of surgical interventions.
Diagnosing Elongated Soft Palate in Dogs
To diagnose an elongated soft palate, Dr. Veronica Higgs states that veterinarians consider the dog’s breed, medical history, and physical examination findings. They look for signs of respiratory distress, stenotic nares (narrowed nostrils), and listen for stertor, a low-pitched snoring sound.
If an elongated soft palate is suspected, the veterinarian may recommend a sedated oral examination to confirm the diagnosis. This allows the veterinarian to visually examine the soft palate and check for soft palate elongation. If general anesthesia is required for diagnosis, surgical correction of any issues may be recommended at the same time to avoid multiple anesthetic procedures that can be life-threatening.
Elongated Soft Palate Treatment
Weight loss is essential for overweight dogs to alleviate symptoms of elongated soft palate. Medical management, such as corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and oxygen therapy, may provide short-term relief for airway inflammation or respiratory distress. However, this approach does not correct underlying anatomical abnormalities.
Elongated Soft Palate Surgery
Surgery is often the treatment of choice when anatomical abnormalities interfere with breathing. Surgical procedures generally include shortening an elongated soft palate, also known as soft palate resection or staphylectomy.
For brachycephalic elongated soft palate in Pugs and Bulldogs, soft palate resection can greatly improve quality of life. Similarly, Boston Terriers exhibiting symptoms of elongated soft palate, such as noisy breathing, coughing, and exercise intolerance, may benefit from this procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an elongated soft palate in dogs?
An elongated soft palate is a condition where the soft palate is longer than normal, obstructing the airway and causing breathing difficulties in dogs.
What are the symptoms of an elongated soft palate in dogs?
Symptoms of soft palate elongation include difficulty breathing, panting, wheezing, noisy breathing, coughing, and exercise intolerance, which can worsen in hot or humid environments.
How do you treat an elongated soft palate in a dog?
Treatment options include weight loss, conservative management, medical management, and surgical intervention, such as soft palate resection, to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
What is the elongated soft palate surgery cost?
The cost of soft palate resection, a surgical procedure to correct elongated soft palate in dogs, can range from $500 to $1,500, as per Embrace Pet Insurance. This cost may vary depending on factors such as location, veterinarian fees, and other medical expenses.
