An Edinburgh dog tragically had to be put down after being found as a stray in an awful condition.

The Scottish SPCA is now appealing for information after the poor animal was discovered on Stillhouse Loan in Kirkliston on September 5.

After being found by locals, the dog was handed into Vets Now veterinary clinic at Hutchison Crossway where staff tried to help her horrendous matting and skin conditions.

The vets had quickly contacted the SSPCA after realising she was suffering immensely, and although microchipped, had not been officially registered.

The female Yorkshire terrier then had to be quickly sedated after becoming distressed during her examination, and was sadly put to sleep a short while later.

Scottish SPCA inspector Stuart Murray said: “The dog is an elderly, female, black and tan crossbreed. We think she may be a Yorkshire terrier cross but unfortunately her condition was so poor it was hard to tell.

“She is microchipped but the chip is not registered so we have been unable to trace her owner so far.

“This poor dog was in an awful condition when she was found. She was covered in fleas, had overgrown claws and a skin condition.

Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox

“The dog was extremely matted and smelled terrible. She was so distressed she had to be sedated to be examined properly. During the examination it was discovered that the source of the smell was coming from matts that were so large they were starting to spread inside her mouth and cover her teeth.

“On veterinary advice it was decided that the kindest thing to do would be to put her to sleep and end her suffering.

“We’re keen to find out how the dog came to be in this condition and why she was left alone when she was clearly unwell.

“Although we appreciate the owner may have meant for the dog to be found, this is not the proper way to give up an animal if you can no longer care for them.

“If anyone has any information on this incident they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”