The thinnest dog an RSPCA officer has 'ever seen' is now recovering at a shelter. Lucas startled a 16-year veteran worker of the animal welfare charity when they were alerted to his condition by police on April 20.
The dog had lost 98 per cent of its fur due to an untreated skin condition and was discovered by police barely alive. Lucas had suffered a broken tail bone so badly infected part of it had rotted completely off, reports ChronicleLive.
The greyhound/lurcher cross was terrified when found by police in South Yorkshire and could barely move as he was deemed so weak. RSPCA Inspector Ben Cottle-Shaw couldn't believe what he saw when going to collect Lucas to bring him in to their care.
The charity worker says Lucas' case of neglect was one of the worst he has ever faced. Ben said: “I was really shocked when I first saw him.
"He was the thinnest dog that I had ever seen which was still alive and on top of this he had an awful untreated skin condition which meant he was constantly scratching and had left him almost completely bald.
"I could tell by his demeanour and look in his eyes Lucas had given up on life as he was so broken and withdrawn. It was heartbreaking to see.
“I rushed him for veterinary treatment and was worried he might not even make the short journey for emergency treatment. But once there he was such a friendly little boy despite being obviously starving and suffering from a horrific case of sarcoptic mange.”
At the vet's, it was discovered that Lucas' tailbone was broke nand he had been left with an open wound which had become infected. The end of the tail dropped off as his bandages were taken off.
The vet surmised Lucas had been housed with another dog as there was visible scratch marks on his legs. This discovery caused concern as the sarcoptic mange Lucas had is highly infectious and even transferrable to humans.
Ben fears other pets or people in the household from where Lucas came could also be infected. A microchip revealed his ownership details had not been kept up-to-date and he received emergency treatment.
He was taken in to the care of the RSPCA at their Felledge Centre in County Durham. Despite his unhealthy state, Lucas is said to be recovering well.
Luka Atkinson, animal centre deputy manager, said: “He is such a sweetheart and is already beginning to find some energy to run around the exercise field. His fur is beginning to grow back and he is on a special diet to help regain weight slowly. The colour of his skin is now paler as his inflammation has settled more.
“There is still quite a way to go and Lucas will not be ready for rehoming for a while.”
Ben is now appealing for anyone who knows who is responsible for neglecting Lucas to call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.
He added: “I am sure someone will recognise who owned this poor boy as the state of his neglect makes him very distinctive. The fact that he had a bandage on his tail and was wearing a brown leather lead may also provide clues.
“I am very keen to find who left Lucas in such a horrendous state of suffering and then simply dumped him like rubbish close to death. I am confident someone will recognise him and urge anyone who can help to get in touch.”
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