Staff at the RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre are caring for a neglected elderly Shih Tzu dog found in a terrible state, with a tumour the size of a mango.
Little 14-year-old Molly was found wandering the roads alone, with matted hair and a large tumour on her stomach.
A kind-hearted member of the public found the poor dog while driving along the A47 flyover near to the Adrian Flux arena in King’s Lynn on February 27. They stopped and rescued the dog and took her to a nearby vet – who in turn contacted the RSPCA.
The little dog’s coat was matted from head to toe, she was lethargic and unable to stand for very long. The matting was around her ears, chest and legs and had to be pulled back so she could see and she also smelled dirty and unwashed.
The poor dog, named Molly, had a large mango-sized mammary tumour hanging from her belly, affecting her walking. She was also skinny and her ribs could be felt – she weighed just 6.8kgs.
The vets had clipped her coat, done blood tests and had taken radiographs of her chest to exclude metastases to her lungs. The skin on the mass had started to become compromised and soon ulcerated. She also had severe dental disease.
Molly is now being cared for at the RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre – and her mass has now been successfully removed following surgery.
RSPCA vet Jonathan Fish said: “We removed the mass on Monday. It was a complex surgery as the mass was so large but we managed to preserve a skin flap. We also performed a dental and she had multiple teeth removed.
“Sweet little Molly is recovering well and we expect her to make a full recovery.
“Right now she is getting lots of love and TLC from the team here at Block Fen – she’s an adorable little girl who has been through so much, yet despite all of this she is just the kindest little lady. She really does deserve a second chance at happiness.”
Molly had been microchipped and Inspector Jon Knight has been following up a number of leads but he is keen to speak to anyone who may have information as to who owned her.
Jon said: “When I first saw Molly I just couldn’t believe that someone had allowed her to get into such a state. Then to make matters worse, just abandoned her like a piece of rubbish on some road.
“Thankfully she is now in RSPCA care and we will do all we can to help her recover and give her a chance of a life that she so deserves.
“We are grateful to everyone who has helped Molly.
“I have been following up a number of leads regarding Molly – but I am keen to speak to anyone who may recognise her or may know who had owned her more recently and they can contact me on the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 1238018.”
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 1238181.
