Hundreds raised for dog in need of surgery

Louie currently struggles to breathe if he runs around

A French bulldog will soon be able to breathe more easily after hundreds of pounds were donated for him to have nose surgery.

Louie suffers from a condition that causes many flat-faced dogs to have difficulty breathing, through a number of issues including excess nose tissue.

The problem was spotted after Louie was given to RSPCA Derby as his owner could no longer look after him.

The charity set up an appeal to raise £950 so Louie could have life-changing surgery, and all of the money was raised within 24 hours.

Louie, who is aged five years and three months, was given up by his previous owner

"We've been absolutely blown away by the support, it's been absolutely incredible," said Jamie Pritchard, from RSPCA Derby.

"Currently, he does struggle to breathe. If he runs around a lot he's puffing and panting, trying to get air past the folds of skin that are blocking his airway.

"Once he's had the surgery, hopefully he will be able to run around and breathe freely, and not have to have reduced exercise or be limited in the amount he can play."

Louie will be available for adoption after he has recovered from his surgery

Louie's condition is called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), and it relates to the flat face and skull shape of dogs like British bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs.

Dogs with BOAS can suffer from breathing problems and have trouble coping with heat and exercise.

RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Sam Gaines said: "These breeds have been selectively bred for exaggerated features over the years and, sadly, the outcome is dogs cannot function like normal, happy, healthy pets.

"Sadly we're seeing more flat-faced dogs coming into our care because their owners cannot afford the expensive surgeries these dogs need to enable them to breathe more easily."

Nationally, the RSPCA has asked people to "stop and think" before buying flat-faced dogs, as this fuels further demand for more to be bred.

Louie's condition is common in dogs with flat faces

RSPCA Derby is run separately from the national charity and is also self-funded, meaning it has to raise all of the money for surgeries itself.

Louie's surgery will widen his nasal passages and remove skin folds and excess tissue in his nose, throat and soft palate.

He is expected to have the treatment soon and once he has recovered he will be available for adoption.

Anyone who is interested should visit RSPCA Derby's website and submit a Perfect Match form.