Some of you may recall we posted a picture of a St Bernard that had been handed into us as a stray - we appealed for an owner to come forward, but no-one did, despite us registering him with both the Police and Dog Warden. On closer examination of the dog, it was evident that he was in very poor condition therefore he was sent to our vets for a full clinical examination. We knew he had been hit by a car and the driver has been very helpful with our enquiries. However, the accident happened on the Staffordstown Road between Toomebridge and Randalstown - yet the people from the nearby houses claim they don't know who owns him.....?! Our Vet was appalled by the physical state of the dog - in his opinion the dog had been closed in somewhere for a prolonged period of time due to the severe lack of muscle mass. He was also underweight and his coat was caked in dog poo - it was so bad it had to be clipped off! His skin had widespread pyoderma - a bacterial skin infection most likely caused by lying in his own waste. He was infested with both fleas and lice which he was immediately treated for. He also has a condition called Entropion, a common complaint with this breed which basically means their eyelids have excess skin which then causes secondary eye problems - painful conjunctivitis/keratitis. He will need surgery on both eyes to correct this condition as it is causing him discomfort. He was suffering from severe lip fold eczema which required thorough cleansing and then treated with topical anti-biotics and anti-inflammatories to ease the discomfort. He had an old infected wound on his face that required surgery and treatment for the infection. He was x-rayed and although he is only approx 2-3 yrs old, he is already suffering from hip dysplasia with secondary osteoarthritis, and will most likely require hip surgery sooner rather than later. His ears were also filthy and badly infected, so were therefore cleaned out and he has been prescribed eardrops to clean up the infection. Despite his many problems, the vets and staff at Cedar Grove said 'Ben' was very friendly and good natured throughout his stay. They have requested for him to return for a repeat examination in 2 weeks time. We have been given a whole host of drugs, lotions and drops to be administered during this time as well as an exercise regime to gradually help him produce some muscle mass. We also need to start a fund for Ben's treatment, which is going to run into thousands of pounds - but this lovable, big, gentle giant deserves to be nursed back to health and given a second chance in life after the miserable start he has endured.