20-week-old puppy fighting for life after emergency surgery

A Newquay animal charity has launched an appeal to help cover the cost of emergency surgery for a critically ill 20-week-old puppy.

St Francis Dogs Home is hoping to raise £3,000 towards the veterinary treatment of Hazel, who remains under veterinary care following a serious intestinal condition.

The charity said Hazel had already lived in three homes before coming into its care.

She was taken to Edhen Vets after becoming seriously ill with severe haemorrhagic diarrhoea. Hazel was admitted to hospital, placed on a drip and assessed by veterinary staff.

Vets suspected intussusception, a potentially fatal condition in which one section of the intestine slides inside another, causing a blockage and potentially cutting off the bowel’s blood supply.

St Francis Dogs Home said emergency surgery was Hazel’s only chance of survival.

During the operation, vets discovered that sections of her intestine had become necrotic after losing their blood supply, making the procedure particularly challenging.

Hazel remains under veterinary care and requires continuing medication and monitoring. The charity said her long-term prognosis remains uncertain.

Sammy Thompson, the charity’s fundraising and marketing manager, said: “Hazel is only 20 weeks old and has already been through more upheaval than any puppy should have to endure.

“The operation was extremely serious, and we still don’t know what the outcome will be. But Hazel is fighting — and we want to give her every possible chance.”

St Francis Dogs Home is appealing for donations towards an estimated veterinary bill of £3,000. People who cannot donate are being encouraged to share the appeal.

Donations can be made through the Just Giving Appeal.