ONE of the dogs abandoned in appalling conditions near Winchester faces a critical few hours, vets have warned.
Experts fear Kate, one of the poodle crosses rescued from Hampshire countryside on Tuesday, is suffering from a curved spine.
As reported by the Hampshire Chronicle on Saturday, veterinary staff had discussed putting the dog down but are now thought to be happy to monitor the situation.
The young canine is set for X-rays tomorrow which could reveal whether her condition was caused by the filthy coat of fur her owner allowed to grow.
Kate when she was brought in to vets
"Her body is very hunched up,” RSPCA Inspector Jan Edwards said.
“She's still not eating, she's still not drinking, she's still on a drip. She's not interested - she's a very depressed dog.”
The other eight poodles are doing “as well as expected”, she added, and could be playing again soon.
Kate after her coat was removed
“Some can come around in a matter of days, others can take weeks and weeks,” Insp Edwards said. “Some can have permanent problems.”
Kate is the only dog still being treated by vets. The remaining eight have moved to RSPCA kennels with four in Stubbington, two in Ashley Heath and two near Chichester.
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