A man has been prohibited from owning a pet in the future after his dog had to be euthanized due to being ‘eaten alive by fleas’.

The unfortunate Shih Tzu dog, named Chewie, suffered from neglect for many months after being left behind in a flat by Darren Hughes.

Upon discovery, Chewie was found collapsed on the floor, covered in fleas, and without access to food or water.

Veterinarians discovered that Chewie had been experiencing prolonged suffering as a result of severe dehydration, significant muscle loss, and serious anemia and blood loss caused by a flea infestation.

Unfortunately, Chewie’s condition was too severe to be treated, and he was euthanized to alleviate his pain.
Hughes, aged 48, was apprehended following a report to the RSPCA, and has since been found guilty of neglect and inflicting unnecessary harm on an animal.

He received a ban from owning any animals after appearing in court at Highbury Corner magistrates court. He received an 18-week prison sentence, which was suspended for 18 months, along with a fine of £154.

The veterinarian who cared for Chewie testified in court that Chewie had been in distress for a prolonged period due to a very low initial mean corpuscular volume (MCV).

It takes one or more months for the MCV and MCHC to decrease below reference intervals with chronic anaemia and ongoing blood loss.

This patient’s MCHC was not detected by our laboratory, indicating a possible deficiency in hemoglobin within red blood cells.

It also indicates thrombocytosis (elevated platelet levels), a common occurrence in animals suffering from iron deficiency anemia.