A RESCUE dog needs a complex operation to remove a gun pellet lodged close to his spine.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue, who re-homed Otto, is asking for donations to assist with the cost of his treatment, which has already been discounted to £3,900.

Otto was originally rescued in Spain where he had been shot with three pellets from an air gun. At the time, vets believed the pellets would not cause him any physical problems and did not remove them.

Otto’s new owners brought him to England but could no longer look after him, and he was taken into the care of Margaret Green.

When the Dorset-based rescue centre re-homed Otto in January 2016, the new owners were made aware of his condition and the charity agree to provide ongoing support should further related problems occur.

A spokesperson for Margaret Green said: “Otto settled in well into his new home and quickly became a much-loved and active member of the family, but for this poor lad his troubles weren’t over. After about a year he suffered repeated abscesses which were painful and very restrictive to his movement.”

Further X-rays were taken, which showed the pellet near his spine was causing a problem. To prevent recurring infections, a veterinary surgeon decided an operation to remove the pellet was necessary.

Geoff Wright, chief executive for Margaret Green, said: “Having this operation will mean so much to the quality of life for Otto who will be able to act like a normal dog again, having off lead exercise so he can run, something he hasn’t done since the infections started.”

Due to the position of the pellet (clearly visible in the X-ray picture), Otto has been referred to a specialist.

The cost of the treatment is huge for the charity, which receives no government funding and relies heavily on donations. The cost of the operation is equivalent to the cost of care for more than 20 animals at their centres. The charity may also need to fund Otto’s aftercare. A fundraising page has been set up at justgiving.com/campaign/Ottos-story

Geoff added: “We are appealing for people to please donate and help us pay for this complex but vital operation. Anything you can afford will go directly to help Otto with his operation and recovery.”