A puppy from Pennsylvania has been left in "immense pain" after wearing a tight collar that caused a "horrific" laceration on his neck.
Prince was taken into the care of the Pennsylvania SPCA last week after he was surrendered by his owners.
The Animal Law Enforcement team had previously received a call from a local veterinary office after the six-month-old was brought in to them with a dangerously embedded collar.
For all the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our FREE newsletters here.
Upon examination, hospital staff found a large horizontal wound along the neck consistent with an embedded collar, though the collar no longer remained. There was discharge and scarring around the edges.
Prince was sedated and his wound was cleaned, however as the week went on, he needed many more bandage changes and wound cleaning to help on the road to recovery.
Photos taken of the poor pooch, which were shared on social media, show a bloody, fleshy, cut on Prince's neck. He looks slightly distressed and very forlorn as charity workers handle him with care while he receives treatment.
Since his ordeal, Prince has been living in foster care with an employee, and his road to recovery is soon to end, with the search for a forever family to follow.
"Prince's smiling face is so very cute, but the wound on his neck is anything but," said an SPCA spokesperson. "The deep laceration was horrific and painful. At just six months old, Prince had already experienced immense pain.
"But, he was with us now. And he'd get the treatment he so desperately needed. He is a true puppy and a gentle soul and we hope that he has already forgotten the pain that he has been through.
"This is the work we do every single day. Our Animal Law Enforcement team rescues animals from cruelty and neglect, our hospital team heals wounds, our foster families provide a safe, loving environment, and your support allows us to do it all. We couldn't do this work without you."
For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here.