Dog With ‘Severe’ Burns on Back Recovering at Animal Hospital

A dog who suffered possible chemical burns along the length of his back is recovering at a Southern California veterinary hospital.

WARNING: Video contains graphic images

Max was turned into a San Bernardino animal shelter last month with a blistered red patch of skin along his spine.

The dog had an identification microchip and the owners were contacted, but said they did not want Max back after giving him away to another individual, said Cheryl Holbrook, of Doggy Smiles Rescue. The owners linked to the chip did not provide more details, Holbrook said.

Two-year-old Max was then brought to Doggy Smiles Rescue and the veterinary hospital, where he will stay for about two months. He'll need pain medication, antibiotics and bandages to help the wound heal.

"It's pretty severe," said Holbrook. "It's deep, it's very, very raw. Someone poured chemical on him, intentionally to hurt him. I don't know how anyone could have the mentality to do that to a helpless animal."

The rescue organization has taken in four dogs with similar burns in the past year, Holbrook said.

"It has to be treated constantly so he can heal," Holbrook said of Max's injury. "He's happy and friendly. He loves people. You would not think he's in pain, but he's in a lot of pain."

No arrests were reported in the case. Authorities have not confirmed the injuries were caused by acid or another chemical.