Pet insurance warning from Rustington dog owner who needs to find an extra £3,000 for puppy’s knee surgery

Five weeks ago, Georgina Toy from Goodwood Close noticed her Staffordfordshire bull terrier Maggie was limping when they took her off the lead.

Initially, vets at the Fitzalan House Veterinary Group thought she had pulled a muscle. But when the limp moved to the other leg, it became clear it was something more serious.

X-rays showed the 18-month-old puppy’s knee caps were not sitting in their sockets properly, and needed surgery for them to be replaced.

Georgina, 41, said: “If we do not get it done, she will potentially go lame or have her leg amputated.”

Her pet insurance cover is £3,000 per condition, but as it is the same issue in both knees, Georgina’s insurers will not pay out the £6,000 needed for the surgery – forcing her to start an online fundraising page for the rest.

As Georgina has been on furlough and her self-employed builder husband has been shielding, they are currently living off her 80 per cent pay to survive.

She said: “It is terrible; it could not have come at a worse time.

“If you have furries, check your insurance policy; don’t get caught out yourself like we have.”

To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/maggie-needs-new-knees.