STAFF at Margaret Green Animal Rescue Centre (MGAR) are appealing to the public to help give a dog a second chance at life.

Sally, an eight-month-old Border-collie, arrived at MGAR's Wingletang Centre near Tavistock in November. She was found straying on Dartmoor.

Staff found her to be a confident, social girl who loves life. She was checked by Westmoor Vets in Tavistock, where it was discovered she had a severe heart murmur.

Niki Ging, Wingletang centre manager, said: 'We had to find out what had caused this heart murmur before we could re-home her, so a date was booked with cardiologist Jo Harris, of Heart Vets.

'Jo listened and scanned the heart and it was discovered that Sally had Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA).'

This condition means that a blood vessel that connects the two main arteries of the body — the aorta and the pulmonary artery — is not closed, as it should be.

'With this blood vessel remaining open, extra volumes of blood flow into the lungs, causing difficulties for the lungs to function properly. This leads to heart failure.'

If untreated, around 60% of affected dogs die within a year of diagnosis from congestive heart failure.

When caught early, and following treatment with successful closure of the PDA, most dogs live a normal life. Unless there are complications from other heart defects or heart failure has already developed, there is rarely any future need for medication.

'Sally will need an operation to correct this defect; otherwise there is no future for her,' said Niki, 'This fun, loving dog deserves a future.'

The operation could cost up to £4,000. If everything goes to plan, Sally will be back at the centre within 48 hours.

Niki said: 'Of course, like any operation, it is not without risk. However, without it, Sally will almost certainly die.

'We will give Sally the operation she needs in order to live the life she deserves. Please help us by donating to her appeal.'

To help Sally, contact the centre on 01822 810215 or visit http://www.justgiving.com/savesally">www.justgiving.com/savesally