Boxer dog fights back to full health

The Boxer bitch was found by passers-by in Shawbury at about 7pm on February 20.

They took her to Oakville Veterinary Surgery in Lawley, Telford, where staff placed her on a drip and gave her antibiotics in the hope the wound would start to heal.

But the antibiotics didn't manage to contain the infection, and the dog – who vets called Eve – began to deteriorate.

Sarah Goodsall, a veterinary surgeon who treated Eve at Oakville, said: "The muscle tissue and surrounding the skin had become severely infected. If it had been left any longer there is no doubt she would have died.

"It was one of the nastiest wounds I have ever seen. There were four puncture holes in the leg, and the poison from the infection had gone into her bloodstream.

"With Keith Clorley, the dog warden for North Shropshire, we took the agonising decision to amputate the leg, as it was clear the medication wasn't working."

Now, following the operation Eve has gone from being an 'incredibly timid' dog to one who is described as 'playful and happy', despite having lost her leg.

Mr Clorley said: "The dog was in a very poor condition when she was found, and it was obvious she had been abused by her former owners. She was malnourished and the wound was infected badly.

"The wound had been left untreated for what we think to be several days, and we believe the dog may have been dumped by its owners after the injury."

Primchurch Kennels, based in Prees, near Whitchurch, has organised for Eve to be fostered by Tracy Cooper, from Hinstock.

Jacqui Downes, manager of Primchurch Kennels, said: "She really is a lovely dog.

"It's been hard to try and stop her playing with other dogs. We are hoping she will be re-homed by the end of this month."