RSPCA appeal after bald puppy is found in street with ‘shocking’ skin condition

The young Cane Corso was taken to a veterinary practice in Failsworth after a member of the public said they found her tied up in an alleyway

A puppy suffering from a severe skin condition is being cared for by the RSPCA after being found on a neighbourhood street.

The young Cane Corso, who is believed to be between ten and 12 weeks old, was taken to a veterinary practice in Failsworth after a member of the public said they found her tied up in an alleyway behind their house in the Carberry Road area of Gorton last Monday (May 13).

Distressing images show the puppy covered in crusty scabs and bleeding sores caused by severe and widespread demodex mange, which had caused her to lose almost all the fur on her head and body.    

The vet alerted the RSPCA about the puppy’s extremely poor condition and she was collected by Animal Rescue Officer Steve Wickham and taken to the charity’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital where she’s receiving ongoing treatment and care.

The RSPCA has appealed to anyone who recognises her or has possible CCTV or dashcam footage to urgently get in touch.

Enquiries are also being made in the local area.

Steve said: “This poor puppy was found in a shocking state and would have been feeling extremely sore and uncomfortable from what appears to be a long-standing, untreated skin condition. 

"Large areas of her body were bald and she had numerous scabby areas and bleeding skin where she’d been constantly scratching herself.

“Demodex mange is treatable, but it can take a long time for dogs to recover because it affects their immune system, so she’ll be having medication for the foreseeable future as well as regular baths. 

“Despite the discomfort she must have been in, she’s a friendly, sweet-natured dog who is clearly used to being around people and I’m very keen to find out more about the circumstances which led to him being found like this and what treatment she may have been receiving.”

Anyone with first-hand information is urged to contact the RSPCA’s appeal line, in confidence, on 0300 123 8018 quoting incident number 01264797.

The RSPCA urges anyone who may be struggling, especially in the current financial climate, to seek help and advice for their pets, rather than waiting and letting the situation escalate.  

To mark the RSPCA’s special anniversary the animal welfare charity wants to inspire one million people to join their movement to improve animals' lives. 

To find out how you can join their million-strong movement for animals, please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/200

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