A neglected dog was found dumped in a bush with a severely infected mouth full of rotting teeth.

Willow the spaniel was discovered on October 9 by a member of the public in Maidstone along with five puppies in a box.

All of the dogs were underweight with worms and fleas.

Willow, who is 10, had an infected mouth with rotting teeth and a large mass which was impacting her ability to eat.

South East Dog Rescue took her to the vets straight away where she had surgery to remove all but two of her teeth. The mass has been sent for analysis.

She was put on antibiotics and is now recovering – her mouth is healing well.

The rescue said: “Her poor paws are so sore due to huge mats in between her pads, which have now been cut out and we are bathing them daily.

“Sadly, she also has numerous mammary tumours and will need two full mammary strip surgeries to remove them as well as being spayed.

“Despite all of this she is the sweetest, kindest girl who adores people and her little tail never stops wagging.

“We know that despite all of her medical issues, she can still have a good quality of life and deserves everything we can do for her.

“The days of being someone’s neglected breeding machine are well behind her.”

The puppies are all being cared for and are not yet ready for rehoming.

South East Dog Rescue is appealing for donations to help raise money for vet bills.

Donations can be made via Paypal: southeastdogrescue@hotmail.com or via bank transfer: Lloyds 41047960 and 309631.