IT’S a condition that affects only four in 90,000 dogs.

Despite that number, a second puppy has been born in Hampshire with ectrodactyly deformity, which results in a split paw.

Sophie Ryan, 28, and her partner, Chris Keith, collected their rottweiler cross German shepherd puppy Lola in November last year. Both Sophie and the current owner could see that Lola had been born with the issue, and Sophie collected her for no cost.

Despite the fact that it only affects such a small percentage of dogs, Lola is the second Hampshire puppy to have been born with the condition after Forrest, a doberman puppy, also faced a battle to be able to walk.

Forrest, who lives with his owner Fran Tongs, was born with the deformity and a New Forest walk was organised to help in his battle to raise £7,000 for surgery.

Now Sophie and Chris, of Millbrook, are facing that same battle for Lola, and Sophie said she has arranged to meet up with Fran and Forrest later this month after seeing a report in the Daily Echo.

Sophie, a personal assistant, said: “We got Lola when she was about 12 weeks old. Most puppies are taken around eight weeks but people saw her paw and didn’t want her.

“We of course took her on and she’s beautiful. I asked my friend about her paw and she knew it would need an operation.

“We are hoping to raise £4,000 as everything is just so expensive. A consultation can cost around £200.”

She added: “It’s so rare for two people to actually be able to talk about this issue. We’re meeting up on February 25 as Forrest is a couple of months ahead I think, though he’s not much older.

“People have been very generous but there’s a long way to go. We have been talking about possible amputation. We want to take it one step at a time and see what we can do.”

Lola will require surgery and then physiotherapy. Insurance won’t pay for the deformity as Lola, and Forrest were both born with it. To donate to Lola’s cause, visit www.gofundme.com/LittleLola