Suffolk RSPCA appeal for surgery donations for Chilli the pug

Chilli is only one, but needs major surgery to help her breathe properly.

Chilli the pug
Author: Shaunna BurnsPublished 29th Feb 2024

Chilli is a one-year-old cheeky pug who arrived at the RSPCA Suffolk Central Branch when her previous owner could no longer keep her.

Sadly due to the flat face which is common in pugs Chili has trouble breathing and suffers from a respiratory disease, she has also been diagnosed with bilateral luxating patella which makes walking and any other exercise extremely difficult. Both of these conditions will require surgery- at a cost of £3,000 - and so the branch has put out an urgent fundraising appeal to get her the treatment she so desperately needs.

They also need to find her a loving new home and so are looking for a new family for her where once settled she will be able to have the much-needed surgery.

Animal Centre Manager Zoe Barrett said: “Chilli is a young, playful pug, who deserves to have a life free from health issues and we really want to help deliver that for her and her future owners.

“Chilli will need an operation once she is settled in her new home for bilateral luxating patella, and surgery for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome( BOAS) which is a complex respiratory disease related to the flat face and skull shape of brachycephalic dogs, such as British bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs.

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

“Currently Chilli is unable to walk for long and she struggles with her breathing, which can be distressing for her and her new owners.

“Having this operation will mean that Chilli will be able to begin to live a life free of health issues, with a wonderful new family - something she thoroughly deserves."

“If you are able to donate any amount to help us cover the costs of the veterinary bill which will be at least £3,000, we would be very grateful and we have set up a fundraising page for her.”

Zoe added: “Chilli is a sweet and excitable little girl, who is so full of beans. She enjoys being in the company of her favourite people and loves a quick game of fetch with her favourite stuffed toys.

“Due to her current health state, Chilli can only manage short walks, so will need a new family who understands this and are happy to engage Chilli in lots of brain games at home to keep her occupied. She will also need owners who are home most of the time to help her with her training.”

Due to the operation needed, she cannot be rehomed with other dogs at present as she will need to undergo a strict recovery process, but she may be able to live with another suitably matched dog in the future.

If you are interested in adopting Chilli, do please get in touch with the team on 0300 999 7321.

*Any money raised in excess of what is needed will be used to cover other veterinary treatment for other animals in the branch care.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.