WHEN Satan the Staffordshire Bull Terrier returned home one day with a mysterious neck injury, he faced possible paralysis.

But the help of a PetAid hospital, which provides free veterinary treatment for owners who are unable to afford private vets' fees, has ensured he is on road to recovery.

Owner Angela Robinson took Satan to Gateshead's People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) PetAid hospital, where he was to get some unusual treatment.

An x-ray revealed he had fractured a small bone in his neck, resulting in a dislocation of his vertebrae.

This injury had serious implications as any movement by Satan could have caused paralysis.

PDSA veterinary surgeon Robyn Budgeon put Satan's head and neck in a cast, which was designed to keep his neck extended and stop any excessive movement.

Ms Budgeon said: "The cast was very large and went from Satan's shoulders right up to his eyes.

"This was one of the biggest casts we have ever had to use and was designed to prevent a very lively dog doing further damage to his spine."

Ms Robinson, said: "Satan has now made a full recovery and is back to his playful self.

"I am extremely grateful to staff at PDSA Gateshead PetAid hospital for all their hard work."