Ten-year-old Missy was left with sores and bleeding patches across her body after her owners left her to suffer from a skin condition without seeking treatment. Missy, who had not seen a vet in almost two years at the time she was taken in by the RSPCA, has gone on to make a remarkable transformation.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Liz Braidley first met the Staffie cross on 5 October 2022, following concerns about a dog with a skin condition. When Missy was brought to the door, it was clear she had been suffering for quite a while.
In a statement she said, “She had extensive fur loss across her body and was scratching constantly the entire time we were standing talking. Most of the skin across her body appeared pink, with some areas beginning to cause sores and bleed. It also appeared to be thickened in places and there was a very strong odour to it. Her nails also appeared to be long and overgrown.”
“Mr Longden and Mr Gleeson advised she had last been to the PDSA approximately 18 months to two years ago but they were not certain on exact dates. They said they had been using some oatmeal shampoo on her skin and had got some shampoo from the PDSA that had been given to them by a friend and wasn’t specifically prescribed for Missy. They said it had seemed to make a slight improvement and they had intended to save up to take her back to the vets.”
Middy was then cared for and rehomed by undergoing an amazing transformation as she received much-needed veterinary care. Both her former owners have been banned from keeping animals for five years.
In mitigation, the court heard that Missy had played a huge part in their lives and that this was a case of ‘well-intentioned’ but ‘incompetent’ care.
RSPCA inspector Jennie Ronksley, who led the investigation, commented, “Cases like this highlight the seriousness of what can happen if people fail to take timely and appropriate action when their pet is suffering from a skin condition. It’s not ‘just’ sore skin, it’s a painful medical condition that requires diagnosis and treatment by a veterinary professional.
“Missy was in awful discomfort, but with the right care and support from our Chesterfield and North Derbyshire branch, she made fantastic progress and it’s lovely to see her enjoying life in her later years.”
