A young dog, so thin that her ribs were poking through skin, has been nursed back to health.

Brooke, a Saluki, was in a "terrible state" when a dog warden from Wiltshire Council came to her aid.

She was taken to Bath Cats and Dogs Home, where staff were completely shocked at her condition.

She was so thin her ribs were poking through, her fur was patchy and she had scabs all over body which required long term-treatment.

Wiltshire Times:

Brooke was put under the expert care of the home’s on-site veterinary team. She was given flea and worm treatment and her painfully long nails were clipped.

Staff said it was obvious that something as simple as having her ears cleaned properly "brought her so much relief."

Over the next few days, she received more veterinary treatment and given warm medicated baths to help her poorly, sore, skin to begin to heal.

Brooke's tale has fortunately had a happy ending - she has been successfully rehomed into a loving new family.

Wiltshire Times: Brooke in her new, much happier, lifeBrooke in her new, much happier, life

But this kind of intensive treatment is costly – both in terms of on-going medication and also the work of professional staff including experienced on-site vets.

Brooke's story has been highlighted as part of Bath Cats and Dogs Home's Spring Appeal - which hopes to raise vital funds for their work.

Chief executive of the charity, Rachel Jones, said: "It’s been such a tough year but we remain absolutely committed to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals like Brooke when they need us most.

"Much of our work goes on behind the scenes and both medical treatment and round the clock care can be expensive.

"We believe that every animal deserves their best shot at a second chance and every step of this process costs money."

Brooke is just one of the hundreds of animals who rely on Bath Cats and Dogs Home when they have no-one else.

If you would like to support the charity and their work, then visit www.bcdh.org.uk/springappeal