Sambuca was being driven crazy by a very treatable itching.
Staffordshire bull terrier Sambuca has a flea allergy which means that he is extra sensitive to flea bites.
At three-years-old the intolerable itching, caused by an untreated flea infestation, drove him to bite off the end of his own tail.
Veterinary treatment for flea bites
When vets examined Sambuca they discovered his red and inflamed skin was covered in scabs and weeping sores.
This poor dog was losing his fur and had a severe wound at the tip of his tail all due to attempts to scratch away the itching.
It was clear Sambuca was in a lot of pain and discomfort, which was causing him to be subdued and withdrawn. Veterinary evidence confirmed he had been caused to suffer as a result of self trauma due to an untreated flea allergy dermatitis.
Providing adequate care
Sambuca’s owner claimed she had treated the dog with off-the-shelf products but said they did not work.
RSPCA Inspector Sue Haywood said after the case:
For the sake of spending £20 or £30 on proper flea treatment from the vet's, all this could have been avoided.
You can see if a product is working or not and we would advise pet owners to take a vet’s advice if unsure.
Sambuca’s owner was found guilty at Milton Keynes Magistrates court of causing suffering to her pet by failing to provide him with adequate veterinary care. She was fined £1,000 by magistrates and ordered to do 120 hours of unpaid work.
Sambuca was placed into our care and his owner was banned from keeping animals for three years.
Sambuca has since been successfully rehomed.
Your support
Without your support we would not be able to investigate and prosecute in cases like this.
There are many ways you can support us, including making a donation to help make sure we're always on hand to rescue animals like Sambuca.
If you're concerned about the welfare of an animal, please call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line:
0300 1234 999.