Vets in Bristol have saved the life of a five-month-old puppy after she contracted potentially fatal tetanus.

Maisy, a Staffordshire bull terrier, had only been with her owners in Patchway Common for a few weeks when she suddenly became ill.

She had difficulty walking and her body started to become rigid – classic symptoms of a disease which dogs rarely contract.

But despite the outcome looking bleak, Maisy has made a remarkable recovery and is now back home with her relieved owners, who have had to ensure their own tetanus protection is up to date.

The pup belongs to Tim and Lucy Hodge and their children, Fred, seven, Ronni, two, and one-year-old Harry.

Tim, 29, of Pond Close, said: "Maisy had been digging holes in the garden and that could be how she picked up the tetanus.

"When she became ill she could just about walk but every part of her body was stiff and when she was trying to nibble my finger, she couldn't let go."

Maisy was diagnosed by one veterinary practice and given antitoxin before going to the Rowe Veterinary Group in Bradley Stoke.

Vet Rob Forrester said when Maisy arrived she couldn't move, had tense ears and a rigid mouth.

He said: "Tetanus may deteriorate within the first five days, eventually causing death after respiratory arrest.

"As she couldn't eat, a feeding tube was placed through her abdominal wall so we could provide nutritional support until she recovered sufficiently to eat by herself.

"Maisy showed small signs of improvement over the first 14 days but after two weeks suddenly improved to the point where she could stand unaided and walk. It will still take a further four to five weeks for her to fully recover."

Tim, who works for a Bristol taxi company, said: "Maisy is getting better every day and should make a 100 per cent recovery."