Puppy requires special care, will repay in plenty of snuggles

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This article was published 29/06/2021 (1880 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Name: Fletcher

Sex: Female

Approximate age: eight months

Breed: mixed breed (shepherd cross)

Size: Medium (13-23 kg)

Time in care: February 2021

Meet Miss Fletcher, who is in the care of Manitoba Mutts Dog Rescue. We know what you’re thinking: she looks like a normal puppy, so why does she need a special adoption post?

You see, ever since coming into care Miss Fletcher has had ongoing issues with regurgitation and choking on food and water, and now that’s she’s grown a bit more, it mostly happens after drinking water. Our veterinarian ruled out Megaesophagus and believes it could be congenital laryngeal paralysis — which will hopefully be confirmed during her spay. This means that the laryngeal muscles become weak/paralyzed and relax, causing the cartilage to collapse inwards, resulting in coughing while or after drinking. This prognosis means that she is more likely to inhale foreign substances and potentially increases her risk of aspiration pneumonia.

This will be a lifelong issue that she will need support for. Currently it is managed by having her water dish raised and being monitored while she’s eating. She will also need to be kennelled when she can’t be watched to ensure she doesn’t choke on anything.

Fletcher is a very energetic pup and would love an active family. She has a tendency to jump up and nip, so puppy-savvy children are a must. She gets along wonderfully with other dogs and has even made friends with some goats. She has not met cats in care. She is house-and crate-trained but doesn’t really like being alone. She loves car rides, snuggles and belly rubs.

If you think you’re the family for Fletcher and are willing/able to monitor her condition or have any questions, please email our team at adopt@manitobamutts.org. Visit manitobamutts.org for more information on the rescue’s adoption process.