A North East dog owner has started a fundraiser in a bid to help cover surgery and therapy costs after her beloved pooch woke up with his back legs paralysed.

Molly Yates, 28, was left devastated when she awoke early on Sunday (August 18) to find her five-year-old Miniature Dachshund, Milo, paralysed from the waist down.

Molly, from Whickham near Gateshead, rushed Milo to the vets only to discover that he had a condition known as Intervertebral Disc Disease (IDD), said to be common in sausage dogs. 

Molly Yates, 28, with her five-year-old Miniature Dachshund, Milo.Molly Yates, 28, with her five-year-old Miniature Dachshund, Milo. (Image: MOLLIE YATES)

Milo had to undergo emergency surgery worth £6,000 - which was successful. However, he must now undergo months of recovery work to get him walking again, including physio and hydrotherapy.

Unfortunately for Molly, Milo’s insurance only covers half of the cost, which risks putting her into thousands of pounds of debt unless she is able to raise £3,000 to cover the costs.

Milo the dog at the beach.Milo the dog at the beach. (Image: MOLLIE YATES)

Molly said: "All my family are hours and hours away, it’s just me on my own dealing with it all on my own but a lot of people have been reaching out and helping- people’s generosity and kindness really has been overwhelming.

"Milo loves to run around and walk for hours which is something he won’t be able to do anymore, everyone used to stop him in the park because he’s so sweet, he is just loved by everyone."

Milo the dog.Milo the dog. (Image: MOLLIE YATES)

She added: "He’s in a lot of pain at the minute, the medication he is on for pain relief is making him be sick a lot too, neither me or him slept last night either and because of the pain he can’t walk.

"He’s on four different types of medication, four times a day, he can't go out for a wee without me being there with him, I have to lift his back legs up for him to walk with his two front legs."

Milo the dog.Milo the dog. (Image: MOLLIE YATES)

As part of the fundraiser, Molly also wants to raise awareness of IDD, to warn dog owners of the same breed.

Recommended:

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo for just £6 for 6 months for a limited time only here.

She said: ‘‘Double check your insurance, make sure that it covers for what Milo has gone through, so that you don’t get stung like I have’’.

"This is not just about wrapping your dog in bubble wrap, it can happen to any dog, not just one that jumps around everywhere. Anyone with this breed should be aware of it.’"

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.