This is Loki, a beautiful 14-month-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier who belongs to a very close friend of mine.

Loki has recently been fighting for his life after suddenly becoming desperately unwell. He was rushed to a specialist hospital in Birmingham where scans revealed lungworm — a dangerous parasite that caused internal bleeding around his brain and spine. Without urgent specialist treatment he would not have survived.

Thanks to the incredible veterinary team, Loki has started life-saving treatment. He’s already showing encouraging signs of improvement: he’s eating again, his pain is easing and the bleeding has stopped.

Loki was able to come home on Friday but unfortunately he has since developed some complications. He has been struggling with his breathing, pain and mobility and is unable to put weight on one of his back legs. He has been re-admitted to the specialist hospital where he is receiving IV pain relief and anti-clotting medication. The team will be closely monitoring him overnight and further scans may be carried out in the morning to find out what is happening with his leg. This may also need the involvement of an orthopaedic specialist. Loki is such a fighter and we are holding onto hope that tomorrow will bring brighter news.

At just 14 months old, he has his whole life ahead of him and he deserves the chance to live it but this treatment comes at an enormous cost. His care has already exceeded £7,500 and although insurance has helped towards the costs, sadly it doesn’t cover everything — especially the urgent specialist treatment that saved his life. For his family this is overwhelming. They would never ask for help themselves but I know how much Loki means to them, and how deeply loved he is.

I am asking, on their behalf, if anyone can spare even a small amount to help towards Loki’s care. Every penny will go directly towards his treatment costs. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing his story — it truly makes a difference.

I want to share Loki’s story not only to help with his treatment costs, but also to raise awareness.

Lungworm is a parasite many dog owners don’t know about. Dogs can catch it simply from eating or licking where slugs and snails have been. It can cause serious bleeding, neurological problems and even death if untreated.

Cases are becoming more common in the South Staffordshire and West Midlands area — so please, if you have dogs, make sure they’re on the right preventative treatment from your vet. It could save their life.

Thank you so much for reading and for helping us give Loki the future he deserves.