An emaciated dog that was covered in weeping sores and scabs in what the RSPCA has described as 'one of the most horrendous skin infections they'd ever seen', has made a miraculous recovery.
WARNING: Some of the following images may cause upset
After being rescued by the charity's inspectors in April last year, eight-year-old German Shepherd, Saskia, looks like a completely different dog to the skinny, frightened pooch they found.
Describing it as one of the worst skin infections RSPCA staff have ever seen, Saskia's condition was so bad it caused her rear end to appear as though it was covered in weeping, bloody barnacles.
She arrived at Longview Animal Centre in Poulton-Le-Fylde in April last year, emaciated, weighing just 23kg, and with infections in both ears and extremely long, overgrown claws.
But it was her skin that caused the most concern.
Animal centre manager at RSPCA Blackpool and North Lancs Branch which runs the centre, Hannah Kirrane, said: “Saskia had one of the most horrendous skin conditions and infections that we’ve ever seen.
"She was missing almost all of her fur down her legs and over her rear end, and her skin was covered in weeping sores and scabs.
“On her back and bottom, the skin was raw and hardened and looked like barnacles.
"Her skin was hard like stone.
"She must have been so uncomfortable.
"We believe it was caused by untreated fleas which, over time, escalated and became infected.”
Saskia came to the attention of RSPCA inspectors after members of the public raised concerns for her welfare and she was signed over into the charity’s care.
Vets and staff at the centre immediately started an intensive treatment programme to help her.
Miss Kirrane added: “She began an intensive course of treatment including pain relief, antibiotics and daily medicated baths.
"She was weighed daily and, at one point, was on six feeds a day to build up her weight.
"She is still receiving regular baths which will need to be continued in her new home but all of her other medication has since stopped and she is on a standard diet having gained an incredible 11kg since arriving.
“Her ears will need close monitoring in her new home and she would benefit from regular ear cleaning.”
Saskia has been left with emotional scars as well as physical ones following her ordeal and staff are looking for an adult-only home for her with confident owners who have experience owning German Shepherds.
Ms Kirrane continued: “We’d really like Saskia’s new owners to live near to the centre so that they can come in and meet Saskia multiple times to get to know her before taking her home.
"This will need to be done once Government guidelines allow.
“Unsurprisingly given her history, Saskia can be unsure of new people and barks to show she’s nervous.
"Once she knows you she is extremely affectionate but she needs time to build up her confidence around new people.
“She can be vocal when passing other dogs but can easily be distracted with treats.
"Despite her age, she can be quite giddy and full of beans. She loves to play with water, splashing in the paddling pool or playing with the hose pipe.
"She also enjoys running around the paddocks and playing with toys.
“She’s an absolute joy to be around and will make a wonderful companion for the right people.
"She certainly deserves a loving new home after all that she’s been through.”
Find out more about Saskia on her online profile or contact the branch on enquiries@rspcablackpool.org.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here