Pearl is hospitalized again after an infection was found at the insertion on the roof of her mouth. Officials said it's directly related to the gunshot wound.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Pearl is back at the Virginia Beach SPCA Veterinary Clinic for an extended stay after her mouth became heavily infected.

The small hound/pittie mix was found by Animal Control on May 30 in the 5800-block of Ferry Road with a gunshot wound to her face.

A few weeks ago, Compassion For Canines said she was recovering well. However, on Tuesday the organization said Pearl had sudden weight loss, and she was disinterested in food.

Bloodwork, x-rays, and a sedated oral exam showed that the incision in the roof of her mouth has become heavily infected.

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.

Compassion For Canines said in a Facebook post that in addition to the infection, she is having a difficulty breathing from her nose which is causing her to have collapsing episodes from lack of oxygen.

The infection and difficulty breathing are both directly related to the gunshot wound to her muzzle.

Pearl is currently hospitalized on IV fluids and IV antibiotics.

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