An underweight dog has been found straying, struggling to walk, and suffering with a tennis ball-sized mass on his body.
The middle-aged male Dogue de Bordeaux/cross Mastiff was taken to a local veterinary practice after being found by a concerned member of the public in the Tunstall Hills area of Sunderland on Friday (28 April). His hips and spine were protruding and there was a distressing tennis ball-sized mass visible near the base of his tail.
And now the RSPCA is appealing to anyone who recognises him to get in touch. The dog was found wearing a patterned fabric collar, but unfortunately he wasn't microchipped.
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RSPCA inspector Helen Beswick, who is looking into the incident and has seen the dog, said: "We're very concerned by his poor state of health and the fact he was found wandering about on his own with no apparent owner in sight.
"He was very weak on his back legs which bent inwards when he walked and his hips were dipped and low. He was generally in quite a distressing state and looked uncomfortable. I'm very keen to establish where he has come from and if he's under the care of a vet and whether someone is missing him.
"We would urge anyone who may be struggling, especially in the current financial climate, to seek help and advice for their pets, rather than waiting and perhaps letting things escalate."
As the cost of living crisis continues, the RSPCA is providing dedicated cost of living support for worried pet owners, with a recently-opened telephone helpline on 0300 123 0650 and an online hub which includes information about pet health care costs.
As he was taken in to the vet as a stray, the dog is now being boarded in private kennels by the local authority.
Anyone with information which can help the RSPCA's enquiry is urged to contact the charity's inspectorate appeal line, in confidence, on 0300 123 8018.
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