Bulldog cross ready for adoption after 'nose job'

A bulldog cross is ready to be adopted after having surgery to fix her breathing difficulty, a rescue centre has said.

The RSPCA said five-year-old dog Callie was underweight and withdrawn when she arrived at its Millbrook Animal Centre in Chobham, Surrey, in July.

Staff later noticed she was struggling to breathe and her nostrils were "unusually narrow for a dog of her size".

After undergoing surgery to widen her nostrils and shorten her soft palate, Callie is ready to "make someone the most wonderful companion", the animal charity said.

The charity said the dog arrived with two other dogs after their previous owner could no longer care for them.

She had spent much of her life confined to a crate and needed treatment for ear and skin problems, it added.

Kate Macneill, behaviour and welfare advisor at Millbrook Animal Centre, said Callie's nostrils were "far, far too small" and were "causing her huge problems".

"Essentially, she needed a 'nose job' to widen her nostrils so she could finally breathe properly," she said.

Dr Scott Miller of The Chobham Vet, who performed the operation on Callie, said the dog "truly is a lovely girl".

He added: "The entire team at The Chobham Vet have fallen in love with her and she will make a wonderful canine companion for the lucky person."

Macneill said Callie "loves human company and is happiest when she can snuggle up close to her favourite people".

Although friendly with other dogs, Macneill said Callie's "enthusiastic nature" meant she was best suited to being the only dog in the home.

Her perfect home would also be one where someone is around for most of the day, she added.

Macneill said: "Bull-type breeds are still very popular and they make wonderful pets but it's heartbreaking when we see dogs like Callie, who face struggles like this so needlessly because of being bred to have a certain 'trendy' look."

Ashleigh Brown, RSPCA science and policy manager, said selective breeding for exaggerated features can "predispose dogs to many significant health disorders".

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