The RSPCA has launched a special fundraising appeal to pay for emergency surgery for a rottweiler who has been living in “excruciating pain” for most of her short life.

Two-year-old Paris arrived at the RSPCA’s Essex South, Southend & District branch in September when her owners could no longer provide her with the care she needed.

The rottweiler, who the family had bought from an Essex breeder, was in a lot of pain and discomfort, and appeared lame.

Following a number of vet checks and x-rays, staff discovered that she was suffering from severe cruciate ligament disease.

Branch trustee and dog rehoming coordinator Kathy Butler said: “One of the cruciate (knee) ligaments in her back legs had already snapped with the other showing signs of serious deterioration.

“Her previous owners said she’d often appeared lame and was sore in her back legs but they’d never investigated. Poor Paris must be in excruciating pain and we have no idea how long she’s been living in this agony. She’s a young dog with a long life ahead of her so it’s really important that we get her on the mend as quickly as possible so she can live the rest of her days to the full.”

Staff at the centre have found Paris a foster home but are now trying to raise funds to cover the cost of the major operation she so desperately needs. Specialist surgery like this can cost upwards of £3,000 but a local orthopedic surgeon has very kindly offered to do it at a discounted price of £1,000.

Kathy added: “We’d like to raise £1,500 to pay for the operation as well as some rehabilitative work post-surgery such as hydrotherapy. If we manage to raise any extra then we can put this towards future veterinary costs for Paris as we suspect she will need the other leg operating on in the near future.

“It is saddening and maddening that some breeders can be so irresponsible when producing puppies and there is so much owners can do to ensure they purchase dogs from responsible breeders who breed with health and temperament in mind.”

Text ‘FIXU33 £10’ to 70070 to donate £10.