A chihuahua picked up by a dog warden had to be put down after it was found it had little or no skull covering its brain.

Herbie was taken in by Swale Borough Stray Dog Service on January 3 after being found in Thomsett Way, Queenborough, and was moved to the care of Valgrays Border Collie and Animal Rescue on January 14.

The dog was said to be settling in well but after being taken to the vets neurological problems were found.

Herbie was being treated for tooth problems but vets noticed his eyes and coordination were getting worse.

They found the dog had hydrocephalus which meant there was only skin and hair protecting the brain.

Swale Council's Stray Dog Service said: "We've a heartbreaking update on Herbie, the chihuahua who was picked up a few weeks ago.

"He was always a little 'quirky' but whilst he was at the vet preparing for a dental, they noticed something was very wrong.

"It transpired he had an extreme case of open fontanelle, one of the worst the vet had ever seen."

Due to his age, the soft spot would never close and there is no treatment available for the condition.

He had such small skull that parts of his head were only covered with skin and fur.

In a Facebook post Val Phillips of Valgrays Border Collie and Animal Rescue said:"I spoke with Chihuahua Rescue and Chihuahua Breed Club and sadly they said this condition gets worse.

"I had to let Herbie go to the rainbow bridge. We have all cried. The lowlife who had him knew something was not right and just disposed of him on the road to be found by the dog warden.

"He had a nice few happy days with me and lots of cuddles and he can play without pain.

"Goodbye little man. I’m so sorry that I could not heal you."