A neglected dog who has been diagnosed with cancer is in desperate need of a special foster home.

Nine-year-old English bull terrier Reggie was taken in by the RSPCA's Thanet branch in December in quite a state.

He was unable to see through thick green discharge caused by eye infections and his claws had grown into his pads.

But vets discovered he has low grade mast cell cancer and the RSPCA is now looking for a long-term foster home for him so he gets the love and support he needs.

Emily Mayer, from the Thanet branch, said: "Reggie came into our care because his owner was very unwell and was going into hospital. They’d been struggling to take care of him because of their poor health and contacted us for help.

"Poor Reggie was in a real state when he came in. His eyes were badly infected and he could barely see through the thick green discharge.

"His claws were growing into his pads which had become infected. His teeth were rotting and he had a number of lumps all over his body.

"He was also unneutered and one of his testicles, which had never descended, had caused him internal problems.”

Reggie underwent multiple tests, investigations, biopsies and x-rays.

He was neutered and the internal testicle was removed, he received a dental, had treatment for his infected paws and had three large masses removed.

Staff also started lifelong treatment to help Reggie’s eyes.

Ms Mayer added: "Sadly we’ve discovered that Reggie has low grade mast cell cancer.

"We had hoped we’d be able to find Reggie a new home but, due to his ongoing medical needs and the cancer diagnosis we’re now looking for a long-term foster home who can give Reggie the love he deserves with the support of our team."

Reggie would like to find a home with someone who is around for most of the day and can spend lots of quality time with him.

Ideally his foster home will be local to the branch so they can continue to help with ongoing veterinary care.

Ms Mayer said: "Reggie has such a wonderful nature. He is the most loving soul and we all absolutely adore him. He still bounds around like a puppy and loves to play - and destroy - his squeaky toys.

"We want to find Reggie a five-star foster home so that he can enjoy a loving, comfortable home for the amount of time he has left.”

Anyone who thinks they might be able to offer Reggie a foster home should contact the branch on 01843 826180 or info@rspcathanet.org.uk.

Emily added: "We’ve started treatment to slow the cancer, costing us £250 a month. We already have a pricey vet bill of £1,600 to cover all of the treatment he’s had and his eye medication, which will need to continue, is also expensive. His outgoings are a lot, but he is worth every penny.

“As a charity, however, we are asking the public to get behind us and help with Reggie’s ongoing costs. We’ve launched a special fundraising appeal and would be grateful to anyone who can spare us a donation, no matter how big or small.”

To make a donation to Reggie’s fundraiser, visit here