Donations are needed to fund urgent surgery for a 9-month-old cockerpoo who is suffering from hip dysplasia.

The condition was discovered after staff at Oak Tree Animals' Charity in Cumbria noted worrying signs of a limp following minimal exercise.

Surgeons are hopeful the surgery, which costs £1800 for both hips, will alleviate Thomas's discomfort, allowing him a pain-free life.

Originally a beloved pet, Thomas was handed over to Oak Tree Animals' Charity by an owner unable to give him the care he needed.

He smoothly transitioned into his foster home, managed by the charity, but quickly stood out due to his occasional limp.

The charity's vet arranged for an assessment by a specialist and X-rays, leading to Thomas's diagnosis.

Caroline Yon, Oak Tree's head of animal welfare, said: "Hip dysplasia is a condition where the ball and socket of the hip joint develop abnormally leading to the ball not sitting properly within the socket.

"In the worst cases, it can lead to severe osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease and be incredibly painful."

Despite Thomas's young age and arguably higher susceptibility to harm, his likelihood of developing long-term arthritis resulting from his condition can now be significantly reduced.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment have proven to be crucial in managing this condition, typically best avoided by careful monitoring of the breeding process.

Thomas's successful recovery relies heavily on the generosity of the public.

The charity has initiated a fundraising campaign to cover the cost of Thomas's surgery, and set a donations page.

Surplus funds will be used across other areas of Oak Tree Animals' Charity, sustaining its services for numerous other animals under its care.

For more information about Oak Tree visit their website.