Fundraising has been set up for a tiny Chihuahua left walking “like a spider” due to severely deformed legs that were “fused in the wrong places.”

Three-year-old Jerry was rescued by the RSPCA in Cornwall in the summer alongside 17 other small dogs when their owner could no longer care for them.

Jerry and his friends were taken in at The Venton Animal Centre in St Columb - and staff there quickly realised that Jerry would need some serious veterinary treatment.

Sammy Howard said: “Jerry is a little warrior and was in a truly shocking condition when he arrived here.

“From the moment we saw him, we knew there was something severely wrong; and we knew it was our duty to do everything we could to help him get comfortable and healthy.

“Poor Jerry could barely use his hind legs and his eyes were very painful. His back legs were deformed - fused in all the wrong places leaving him walking like a spider - and he had a painful ulcer on his eye."

Falmouth Packet: A x-ray of Jerry's fused legs A x-ray of Jerry's fused legs (Image: Cornwall RSPCA)

Jerry wasn’t in a strong enough condition for kennels so the team found him a foster home where he could build up his strength while preparing for surgery.

He was seen by a specialist vet who has decided he needs surgery on both hind legs, followed by months of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

Sammy said: “Jerry has a long road ahead of him. And we really need the public’s support to help him get the care he deserves.

“Jerry is such a strong little character with a huge heart. He’s not afraid of anything and he’ll be a force to be reckoned with once his legs are healed.”

Falmouth Packet: Fundraising has been set up for Jerry's surgeryFundraising has been set up for Jerry's surgery (Image: Cornwall RSPCA)

He has bilateral grade four luxating patellas - where the kneecap pops out of its normal position - which has been left to worsen over the years. His hip joints are deformed and in the wrong place, and his knees are worn and loose.

He is also on pain relief to manage the discomfort until he’s ready for surgery, and is already receiving treatment for his eyes.

RSPCA Cornwall Branch has launched a special fundraiser to try to raise at least £2,000 for the surgery. Donate at www.justgiving.com/campaign/jerryssurgery