Peanut the puppy needs Cornwall’s help after severe mange

At four months old, most puppies are learning to chase a ball across the garden. Peanut spent those months losing his coat instead, and by the time RSPCA Cornwall Branch saw him in person, the true scale of what he had been through was impossible to miss.

How Peanut came into RSPCA Cornwall’s care

The four-month-old puppy first came to the attention of the charity’s Community Welfare Team after help was sought for him. The team arranged and funded veterinary care straight away, but it was only once Peanut was seen in person that the full extent of his condition became clear.

Despite his age, he had already lost extensive amounts of his coat. His skin was sore, inflamed and damaged, and he needed veterinary treatment and ongoing care. Following conversations with his owners, it was agreed that the best option for Peanut was for him to be relinquished into the care of RSPCA Cornwall Branch.

He is now safe at the charity’s Venton Centre near St Columb, where the team is beginning the process of helping him recover.

What severe mange has done to his skin

Mange is caused by microscopic mites and, when severe, can cause significant skin damage and leave dogs vulnerable to painful secondary infections. Peanut is expected to need veterinary treatment, medication and careful management of his skin, alongside good nutrition, warmth and all the everyday care a growing puppy needs.

‘These are Peanut’s before photographs’

Leanne Bawden, Community and Fundraising Manager at RSPCA Cornwall Branch, said: “Peanut is only four months old. When you look at him, it is difficult not to think about what a puppy of his age should be doing, playing, exploring and discovering the world around him.

“Instead, his little body has already been coping with a significant skin condition. The photographs are difficult to see, but we want people to remember that these are Peanut’s before photographs.

“He is safe now. He has people around him who will make sure his treatment, comfort and recovery come first, and we hope that in the months ahead we will be able to share photographs that tell a very different story.

“We don’t yet know exactly what Peanut’s recovery will involve or how much treatment he will need, but we do know that we will give him everything he needs. We would be incredibly grateful to anyone who would like to be part of his journey.”

The £2,000 appeal for his treatment

The self-funded Cornish charity has launched an appeal to raise £2,000 towards Peanut’s veterinary treatment and ongoing care. Donations can be made and his recovery followed through the branch’s JustGiving appeal, Peanut’s Second Chance: Help Our Little Puppy Heal.

If more is raised than Peanut needs, or if his treatment costs less than anticipated, any remaining funds will go towards veterinary treatment and care for other animals supported by RSPCA Cornwall Branch.

Why asking for help early matters

Alongside rehabilitating and rehoming animals, the charity’s Community Welfare Team works in the local community to support animal welfare and, where possible, help people access support before situations reach crisis point. Leanne said Peanut’s case shows why that early contact matters.

“Asking for help can be incredibly difficult, but early support can make an enormous difference to an animal. Our priority is always welfare. In Peanut’s case, help was sought, veterinary care was arranged and, ultimately, the decision was made for him to come into our care.

“Now we can concentrate on getting this little boy well and, eventually, finding him the loving home he deserves.”

For now, Peanut spends his days in the quiet of the Venton Centre, a long way still from the playing and exploring Leanne described, and further still from a home of his own.