RSPCA Cymru is appealing for information after a stray chow chow dog was found in Cardiff with a "significant" skin condition. Local dog wardens collected the dog on May 28, but an owner hasn't been found - despite the dog being microchipped.
Collected in Roath, an RSPCA deputy chief inspector said that the wardens didn't initially realise the extent of the dog's skin condition due to the thickness of his fur, but that he had yelped when they attempted to put a collar on him.
Gemma Black, RSPCA deputy chief inspector, said: “This poor dog was found with a significant skin condition on his back, neck and face. He also has bad eyes. When he was found by the dog wardens they didn’t realise the extent of his skin condition due to his thick fur, but he yelped when they put a collar on him. When his fur was clipped back the seriousness of his skin condition was discovered.
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“A microchip suggests he is around seven to eight months old. He is chipped to an address in St Mellons, but sadly the details appear out-of-date and so far our enquiries have not led to finding his owner.”
Due to the condition in which the male unneutered dog was found, the RSPCA were called to investigate and an appeal for information has been launched to track down the owner. The dog - named Cobra according to his microchip - is currently under the care of Cardiff Dogs Home and is undergoing treatment.
“Over the past few weeks Cobra has been receiving care from the wonderful staff at Cardiff Dogs Home,” Gemma said. “He has been shaved and is receiving medication and is remaining under vet observation. It is very sad he was left in such a bad condition and hopefully he is on the mend now.”
Cardiff Dogs Home manager Maria Bailie added: “Cobra is doing well and spent most of last week in the office where we could keep an eye on him. He is a really friendly and loveable Chow. He had a skin scrape on Friday (24 June) and is being treated for demodex mites.
"A little of his hair is growing back. The vet thinks he may need entropion surgery to his eyes too which will be confirmed this week. His treatment is likely to be just under £1,000.”
Cardiff Cabinet Member with responsibility for Cardiff Dogs Home, Cllr Dan De’Ath, said: “Every year Cardiff Dogs Home looks after hundreds of dogs, some like Cobra in a really terrible condition when they arrive. The team always does everything within their power to ensure the dogs in their care get the best treatment possible, but helping Cobra is going to be expensive.
"We know these are difficult times for many people, but if anybody is in a position to help Cobra on the road to recovery, our charity partners at the Rescue Hotel have set up a fundraiser, and their support would be very welcome.” If you can help Cardiff Dogs Home fund this surgery please can you visit The Rescue Hotel website or their Facebook page.
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