Pug Named Willy Wonka Couldn’t Open his Mouth and Was on the Euthanasia List

When Sky Sanctuary Rescue received a call from a local shelter about a dog with his mouth stuck shut, they knew they had to help. Because of his condition, he was on the euthanasia list. The poor puppy was scared and starving, but thanks to the staff at the rescue, Willy Wonka will get a second chance.

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According to the rescue, Willy Wonka was immediately taken to the veterinarian. Dr. Grant sedated the pug to try to find what was causing the pup’s jaw to lock. They found out that his jaw did not have any structural abnormalities or fractures. Confused, the shelter continued to fight to give Willy Wonka a second chance at life.

His lab work showed an elevated blood cell count and neutrophils, which can mean an underlying infection and inflammation. They sent his bloodwork to UC San Diego’s Neuromuscular Laboratory for diagnostics. Soon after, Willy Wonka and another pup named Cricket, who had a locked jaw as well, went to see Veterinary Neurologist Dr. Fallen.

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Finally, after so many unanswered questions, the shelter learned what was causing the pup so much misery. Willy Wonka was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Masticatory muscle myositis. This condition causes the immune system to attack and kills its own tissues. For the pug, it specifically is attacking the muscles that allow him to open and close his mouth.

Wonka is now on an “aggressive treatment plan” to suppress the immune system. They already see improvements in his jaw function, and he can drink water on his own. He even feels well enough to make other friends at the rescue!

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“He is very happy to be off the street, out of the shelter and finally receiving the second chance he deserves,” the shelter wrote in a Facebook post.