Dog with 'grapefruit-sized' head tumour rescued

An animal rescue charity is urging people to seek help for sick pets after saving an elderly dog with a tumour "the size of a grapefruit" on its head.

Terrier Norman, aged 11, was brought to Woodgreen Pets Charity in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, by its desperate owner who said they could not afford veterinary care.

The dog had a 700g (1.5lb) growth - heavier than a bag of sugar - which the charity said was weighing down the small creature, was smelly and was attracting flies.

Vets removed the benign growth in a "tricky, yet successful, operation" and Norman will be put up for rehoming, but the charity urged owners not to wait until an animal got into this state.

The charity, made famous by Channel 4's series The Dog House, said Norman was brought in last month with a "growth the size of a grapefruit on his head, attracting flies and causing serious discomfort".

His owner walked in asking for help, unable to afford food or the urgent vet treatment Norman needed, they said.

The charity described Norman's tumour as "a huge, ulcerated lump".

Helen Stapleton, head of intake and rehoming at Woodgreen, said: "The lump was so large and heavy that it dominated Norman's small body. It must have been very uncomfortable for him.

"Luckily, Norman is doing well - he loves a cuddle and belly rub.

"Norman's story is a stark reminder of the growing number of pet owners who are facing financial hardship because of the cost-of-living crisis, and are therefore having to make heartbreaking decisions. Sadly, we're seeing more cases like Norman's at Woodgreen," she added.

The charity said it was hearing more and more stories of pet owners who were turning to food banks to feed both themselves and their animals, and said: "A significant concern is that we're seeing a growing number of owners delay veterinary visits out of fear they won't be able to afford the bill.

"Sadly, this can potentially lead to longer-term or more serious health issues, and greater discomfort for pets – like Norman's case.

"We urge anyone who's struggling to seek support before they reach this point."

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