Cape Coral man faces charges after 8-year-old dog with large mass on face was euthanized
A Cape Coral man faces animal cruelty charges after authorities say his 8-year-old Shih Tzu named Titan had a large mass the size of a baseball covering Titan’s face.
Oscar Alvarez, 61, faces aggravated animal cruelty charges.
Shortly before 1 p.m. April 28, Alvarez took Titan to VetNow regarding the mass, which started to rupture.
Police said Titan could not eat or drink. A foul smell emitted from the mass.
The veterinarian told a Cape Coral police officer that the mass was obliterating the entire center of Titan’s face from his upper forehead to beyond the tip of his nose. Police said Titan’s nose was compressed and distorted, causing Titan to wheeze heavily and have major difficulty breathing.
The mass completely obscured Titan’s right eye, with his quality of life very poor, and he was suffering.
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The veterinarian said he explained to Alvarez that the mass was “left to go too far for too long,” police said, and Titan was beyond help. Titan was euthanized.
Police said their investigation revealed Alvarez took Titan to VetNow in October 2023 to treat a lump on his nose and eye discharge. At that time, police said, Titan had difficulty breathing. The veterinarian said the lump and his nose were infected, causing the discharge. The doctor recommended radiographs, complete blood work and electrolytes, but Alvarez declined all of them due to finances, police said.
According to police, Alvarez was sent home with a seven-day supply of medication to treat a heart condition and the nasal mass, and explained that Titan’s prognosis is poor and to re-check with his regular veterinarian as soon as possible. Alvarez failed to follow up with veterinary care after Titan’s visit in October of 2023.
Titan no longer had medication to treat his heart condition or the mass, as he was provided with only a seven-day supply by VetNow. The mass continued to grow through Titan’s face, causing unnecessary pain and suffering.
Police said Titan had severe difficulty breathing based on the extensive wheezing that could be heard. The mass was obstructing his nostrils and completely pushed Titan’s right eye back into his head. A major infection was growing from the mass.
Authorities said VetNow contacted Lee County Domestic Animal Services after the April 28 visit because Alvarez failed to provide immediate vet care after the first visit in October 2023. Police said Titan's pain and suffering could have been prevented.
According to police, their investigation also revealed Alvarez canceled Titan’s wellness plan at his regular veterinarian in June 2022, claiming he gave Titan away. Titan’s last visit to that veterinarian was in January 2022 for an illness check.
At that time, police said, there was no visible mass, but the doctor warned Titan may have one because he had nasal discharge, signs of a narrowing airway, and his heart rate was irregular. The doctor also said if Alvarez did not follow up, it would be detrimental to Titan's health, but those warnings were ignored.
The State Attorney’s Office signed off on a warrant for the arrest of Alvarez for felony animal cruelty.
Alvarez was released Thursday on $2,500 bond and is next due in court Aug. 26 for his arraignment.
Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Cape Coral police: Man arrested after suffering dog euthanized
