Heartwarming transformation of bald puppy with one of the "worst" cases of mange

The young Cane Corso was suffering from a severe skin condition which had caused significant hair loss when she was found running loose on the canal near Chadderton Hall Park in Oldham by a member of the public in January. 

After taking her home, the local dog warden was contacted and she was transferred to Manchester and Cheshire Dogs Home, where the team there named her Perla.

The puppy, who was between 14 to 16 weeks old, received ongoing veterinary care at the RSPCA's Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, including treatment for bilateral entropion, before being moved to the charity's Southport, Ormskirk and District Branch to continue her recovery with medicated baths and antibiotics.  

She then started her search for a new home and in October, was spotted on the branch's website by Sandra Hallows, who lives near Warrington. 

"Two-and-a-half years ago we adopted Nova, a Staffy crossed with a Cane Corso. We really liked her temperament so we decided to look for another dog to join her," said Sandra. "We like big dogs, and we have always had rescues, so when we saw Perla on the rehoming centre's website, it really was love at first sight.

"We completed the adoption process and she came to live with us on 1 November. She's settled in really well and is so relaxed here. Even though she's a tall dog she's still a little bit underdeveloped, so we're making sure she has plenty of TLC, good food and exercise.

"There are still some patches of scarring where the fur hasn't grown back but Perla has shown such resilience and has so much love to give. I don't know how anyone could have abandoned her in that state but we feel incredibly lucky to have her."    

RSPCA Inspector Jess Pierce, who investigated the case, said: "It was heartbreaking to see a puppy abandoned in such an appalling condition. 

"Perla's head and front legs were bald and bleeding and she was covered in painful sores and scabs where she'd been constantly itching and scratching herself. 

"Demodex mange was diagnosed by the vet, which is treatable, but it can take a long time for dogs to recover because it affects their immune system. It was one of the worst cases I have ever seen, particularly in a dog as young as Perla.

"When I saw the pictures of how she looks today, I couldn't quite believe it was her at first. I'm so pleased she's got a lovely new home for Christmas with Sandra and her family, and I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped with Perla's rescue and recovery."  

Local CCTV was checked and enquiries were carried out by the RSPCA, but despite an appeal, the person responsible for abandoning her was not traced.  

The surge in pet neglect has led the animal welfare charity to launch an urgent appeal - The Big Give Back to Animals - which is calling on animal lovers to help raise vital funds to help RSPCA rescuers cope with rising demand for help.