Case Report

A pair of Lhaso Apso dogs were left almost bald and with a catalogue of health problems after suffering ongoing neglect. Martin and Susan Dewdney�s dogs, Rosie and Dillon, were suffering from conjunctivitis, ear infections and overgrown claws when they were discovered by the RSPCA. Both dogs had lost large amounts of hair and scratched constantly at their sore, thickened skin. RSPCA Inspector Tony Woodley said: �When I first saw the dogs I was unable to tell their breed due to the poor condition of their coats. Rosie was almost completely bald and underweight. Dillon had thick, matted hair on his ears and eyes were encrusted with discharge.�

The Dewdneys, of Aitken Close, Norwich, claimed they could not afford to take their seriously ill dogs to the vet. They pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Rosie and Dillon and were banned from keeping all animals for ten years. They were also ordered to pay a total of �250 in costs.

Brother and sister Rosie and Dillon, now renamed Tula and Tashi in line with the Tibetan ancestry of their breed, have been happily rehomed and are making a dramatic recovery. Sadly however, Tashi�s left eye caused him constant discomfort and it had now been removed to prevent further suffering.

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