SAN ANTONIO, TX (WOAI/CNN) – Police in Texas are searching for someone they say inflicted cruel punishment on a puppy.

Investigators say the man kicked, beat and even forced the four pound puppy to eat detergent.

Veterinarian Dr. Ellen Jefferson said, “I can’t imagine how hard it would have been to get it down his throat, because he wouldn’t have just sat there for it.”

Veterinarians say “Phoenix” was severely beaten and has serious injuries to the head and lungs.   According to the doctors, the most critical injury is an air bubble in Phoenix’s lungs.  The doctors say if it burst, the puppy could suffocate. 

“I would equate this to being hit by a car,” said Dr. Jefferson about Phoenix’s injuries.

Doctors say the puppy is slowly getting better though.  Dr. Jefferson says the puppy is now beginning to eat.  she said Phoenix would shy away from the food, probably because the last thing he remembered  was detergent being forced into his mouth.

A source told WOAI News, the ex-boyfriend of Phoenix’s owner broke into her apartment and hurt the puppy to get back at her.