The Bristol clinic opened in 1995

The clinic is now equipped with an isolation unit to treat animals with contagious conditions, and an intensive care unit for animals with severe illness or injuries.

They are being opened in conjunction with a fund-raising appeal, launched by seven-month-old Frankie, a Saluki dog who was treated at the clinic for a broken leg.

Grizelda Williams, veterinary manager, said: "The RSPCA clinic has become a dedicated centre for the treatment of critically injured and sick animals in the Bristol area.

"As the number of animals entering the clinic has increased, so we have needed new facilities to accommodate them."

The clinic costs �500,000 a year to run, receives no regular funding from the national RSPCA and opened in 1995.

It treats about 10,000 animals a year.