A dog has been found alone with a metal plate exposed in her leg.
The lurcher, believed to be called Luna, was discovered in Ely, Cardiff, with a badly infected leg.
RSPCA Cymru believes that at some point over the last two years she has had a plate inserted into her right leg to mend a break.
Upon discovery, the plate was exposed and her leg was both infected and swollen as a result.
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The grey, smooth-haired, lurcher with white markings is microchipped, however, the chip has not been registered, leaving the RSPCA now trying to find Luna's owner.
They are appealing to local people who may recognise her or veterinary practices who may have treated her.
RSPCA inspector Julie Fadden, who is investigating the case for the animal welfare charity, said: “I was shocked when I saw Luna.
“The skin had come away from her leg and in doing so, exposed an internal metal plate which had been put in to mend a broken bone.
"The infection site was swollen and I could smell it from some distance.
“Luna was also lame on the leg, in some discomfort and in need of immediate treatment.
"I’m hoping this appeal will jog the memory of vets and veterinary nurses who may have operated on her, as well as people living locally in Ely who recognise her and can give me some information about who she belongs to."
Luna is now recovering well in RSPCA foster care after having the metal plate removed and the infection cleaned and bandaged.
Anyone with information about her should contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line, in confidence, on 0300 123 8018.
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