Distressing pictures show an abandoned puppy covered in painful scabs and bleeding sores  after it was left tied up.

The pup was taken to a vet in Failsworth.

The tiny pup, who is believed to be between 10 and 12 weeks old, was found in an alleyway in Gorton missing a huge amount of fur.

She was rushed to a vet by a  member of the public on Monday (May 13), who found the young Cane Corso in an alleyway behind their house on Carberry Road.

The Oldham Times: The puppy was covered in demodex - a genus of tiny mitesThe puppy was covered in demodex - a genus of tiny mites (Image: RSPCA)

The pup had widespread demodex mange, a severe skin condition which was the cause of the fur loss.

The vet, in Failsworth, alerted the RSPCA to the puppy’s extremely poor condition and she was collected by Animal Rescue Officer Steve Wickham.

She was then taken to the charity’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, where she is receiving ongoing treatment and care.

The Oldham Times: The poorly pooch was found tied up in an alleywayThe poorly pooch was found tied up in an alleyway (Image: RSPCA)

The RSPCA is calling for anyone who recognises the pup, or who has relevant CCTV or dashcam footage, to get in touch. Enquiries are ongoing in the area.

Steve said: “This poor puppy was found in a shocking state and would have been feeling extremely sore and uncomfortable from what appears to be a long-standing, untreated skin condition. Large areas of her body were bald and she had numerous scabby areas and bleeding skin where she’d been constantly scratching herself.

“Demodex mange is treatable, but it can take a long time for dogs to recover because it affects their immune system, so she’ll be having medication for the foreseeable future as well as regular baths."

The Oldham Times: She is said to be between 10 and 12 weeks oldShe is said to be between 10 and 12 weeks old (Image: RSPCA)

He added: “Despite the discomfort she must have been in, she’s a friendly, sweet-natured dog who is clearly used to being around people and I’m very keen to find out more about the circumstances which led to him being found like this and what treatment she may have been receiving.”

Those with information should call the RSPCA’s appeal line in confidence on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01264797.

The RSPCA has said that people who may be struggling with their pets should seek help rather than waiting and letting the situation escalate.