IT was touch and go for Cavalier King Charles spaniel Nell, after a staggering 60cm of her intestine was removed when she was struck down by a life threatening condition.

But the three year-old pedigree overcame the odds to recover - thanks to the care she received from Trafford-based PDSA, Britain's leading veterinary charity.

Nell was first admitted to the PDSA's PetAid centre in Warwick Road South, Old Trafford, showing signs of gastroenteritis. But when her condition suddenly deteriorated, veterinary surgeon Carol Jenkinson had to perform an exploratory operation to locate the problem.

The condition was worse than expected. An infection had caused irreparable damage to part of her intestine, which was on the point of rupturing and had to be removed.

Carol said: "This was a very delicate and risky operation. Realistically the chances of Nell surviving the operation were very low but she pulled through and has gone on to make an excellent recovery."

Nell remained at the PDSA centre on Warwick Road South, Old Trafford, for three days and was then well enough to return to her home in Wythenshawe. But she needed to return to the centre regularly for check ups.

Her owner, Eric Wilkinson, said: "I was really shocked when I realised how ill Nell was but she's a real fighter. I am very grateful to all the staff at PDSA or their expertise and dedication in making her well again. I can't thank them enough."

About 120 sick or injured pets are seen at the animal hospital every day, which provides free treatment for the pets of owners who are unable to afford private vets' fees.

* To be eligible for PDSA treatment, a pet owner must live within the designated postcode area of a Petaid practice and receive either housing benefit or council tax benefit.