An abused and abandoned dog who was thrown from a moving van has been saved thanks to a High Wycombe vet clinic.

Bambi, a 12-month-old spaniel, was found in a “terrible” condition, and the neglected pooch has since been moved to the care of the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT).

Staff said on arrival it looked like she had suffered a spinal injury from the fall.

Michael Hamilton, of Hamilton Specialist Referrals, has agreed to help abandoned Bambi with a 50 per cent discount on her surgery.

Jackie de Friez, centre manager at NAWT, said: “Bambi came to us filthy, hugely underweight and she had sores all over her.

“The memory of her mistreated and malnourished body is one that will haunt the staff for a long time.”

As dreadful as her general state was, Jackie said it was not the thing concerning staff the most when they met Bambi.

She added: “When standing naturally, her back end curls under her hips and her back legs appeared to be buckling under the pressure.

“We call her the mermaid puppy because her back legs are so deformed, they almost make the shape of a tail.

“We thought she had suffered a spinal injury due to being thrown from a van and the emergency vet who had seen Bambi before she arrived in our care had initially advised euthanasia.

“Thankfully there are rules around stray dogs, which state an owner must be allowed seven days to come forward and claim their dog.

“It was clear that Bambi was in a lot of pain and struggling to walk so we rushed her in to our vets for a second opinion.

“Then we found out her condition was something she had lived with from birth. She has one of the worst cases of something called lateral luxating patellae, which means her back legs need to be operated on to free her of pain.”

After the discount, the operation will cost the rescue and rehoming charity £5,500 and Bambi is awaiting her surgery date.

Alex Spurgeon, supporter relationship manage at the NAWT said: “This is an enormous expense for a charity like ours, where every single penny is accounted for.

“However, it’s an expense that will allow a beautiful natured little dog, who has been so harshly betrayed by humans in the past, the chance to live the life she deserves.

“If the NAWT doesn’t help her now, Bambi’s condition will deteriorate, and this lovely little dog, who is owed so much in human kindness, will be left in unbearable pain.”

To donate to Bambi’s cause, visit www.nawt.org.uk/blog/help-bambi-live-pain-free.