An animal rescue centre in the West Midlands has launched an appeal to raise money for an abandoned puppy with a rare illness.

Nine-month-old Trixie was found outside the Rosedene Animal Rescue Centre near Walsall.

She had been tied to the gates overnight and was found frightened and shivering.

An examination by a vet revealed the Jack Russell cross is suffering from a rare condition - Patent Ductus Arteriosis - which means that blood is not circulating around her body properly.

'Death sentence'

She will almost certainly die within a year unless she has an operation to correct the condition.

Robi Chaudhuri: "sweet-natured dog"

But the centre does not have the funds to pay the �2,000 needed for the operation.

They have launched an appeal for donations, or for a prospective owner who is willing to meet the costs.

Robbi Chaudhuri, from Rosedene, said: "She's so sweet-natured and such a loving dog, she'll make someone a cracking pet.

"It's sad to think that in a few months time she could go downhill without a proper operation. It's a death sentence, this condition."

Managers at Rosedene say many pets are abandoned outside their centre and even if Trixie's original owner did not know about her condition, leaving her tied up was a cruel act.