A couple are in a desperate bid to raise funds to save their beloved puppy Darwin who needs life-saving surgery.

Darwin is a four and half month old shih-tzu cross pug puppy and a few weeks ago, he became unwell and has not been himself since.

A visit to the vets led to a referral to the Royal Veterinary College, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals in Hatfield for an MRI scan after a blood test revealed he may have a portosystemic shunt of the liver.

But things took a turn for the worst before the appointment and he was rushed in for emergency treatment.

Darwin underwent x-rays and ultrasounds which concluded that he does have a portosystemic shunt of the liver, which means his liver doesn’t get rid of toxins that it should and they then travel in his blood to his brain, causing neurological problems.

Little Darwin now needs surgery which has an estimated cost of £3,000 - £4,000, and there is a chance he may need to have two surgeries, therefore doubling the price.

He has been put on a special diet and medication to help control some of the symptoms he has been experiencing but for his issue to ultimately be fixed he needs surgery.

Without the surgery, Darwin’s neurological symtpoms will worsen and he will deteriorate.

Owner Rose Bell says that her and her partner are struggling to find the money to pay for the surgery but are desperate to not lose their ‘best friend’.

Rose said: “I’m a student nurse and my partner works for the NHS.

“We work very hard but unfortunately we don’t have thousands of pounds to pay for surgery, but we can’t afford to lose our best friend either.

“We’re very grateful of any donations received - you can’t help but fall in love with him.

“We hope that people will support Darwin to return to being the beautiful, happy boy we fell in love with.

“We are overwhelmed by the support that we have received so far and we are determined to get all of the money that we need.

“Please continue to share his story and donate as much as you can, thank you.”

A fundraising page has been set up for Darwin, with more than 25% of the money needed already raised.

If you can donate, click here