A woman from Swindon facing huge vet bills for her dog has set up a fundraiser to help cover the unforeseeable costs.

Melanie Gassmann, from Wanborough, noticed her 18-month-old chihuahua-dachshund cross Harry had deformed bones in his legs at three months old.

The insurance policy covered the cost of the operation, which was just under £7,000.

But this was only the beginning of Harry’s health problems and while under anaesthetic, vets realised his blood was not clotting properly.

He also needs to have dental surgery to remove seven puppy teeth and his blood count needs to be managed with blood tests and medication before having any further operations.

The insurance has covered a further £7,000 for treatment this year, totalling £14,000 so far, but Melanie will have to pay thousands of pounds for further treatment until the policy renews in January, including fortnightly blood tests costing £116, a one-off test costing £285, nearly £200 for medication and a dental procedure estimated to cost £1,200.

Melanie said: “I’ve done everything you’re supposed to do. It’s so sad, I feel desperate but I don’t know what to do to help.

"He’s still a baby and there’s nothing more you can do if they’re vaccinated, feed them the best food, take them for walks everyday and pay for their insurance.

“The gofundme was a last resort. I see some of the comments people make and people say don’t get pets if you can’t afford them. I have the insurance but the vet fees are just so high and I don’t know what else will come along.

“I’m in a situation now where I’ve exhausted every avenue I can possibly go down. I had spinal surgery myself and I’ve always worked since I was 15, but I can’t work full time at the moment.

“The vets have been great and they saved his life, but I don’t understand where they think people get this money from.”

“He’s such a sweet little boy, everyone who meets him falls in love with him because he’s so friendly. I love him like he’s one of my children. He doesn’t really know a life without going to the vets and he hates it.

“The vet said dogs can recover fully and worst case scenario he has to be on tablets for the rest of his life. He turns two in October and despite being ill he’s the happiest dog you could meet.”