AN ATTACK on a puppy may have turned out to be a lifesaver after vets treating the animal discovered she had a rare, killer heart condition.

Lola, a King Charles Cavalier, was bitten by a Japanese Akita dog. She also suffered a broken leg.

However, while she was being treated, vet David Robinson, of the Kingston Veterinary Group, discovered she also had a congenital heart condition, which would have killed her if left untreated.

Initially, it was a double blow for Lola's owner, Susan Hornsby, of 16th Avenue, north Hull.

But Mrs Hornsby quickly realised that if it had not been for the attack the condition may not have been diagnosed until it was too late.

She said: "The attack on Lola took place on the Bank Holiday Monday at the end of May when my husband was taking her for a walk.

"It was very distressing and caused Lola a great deal of pain. We were due to go on holiday a few days later but had to cancel that because we couldn't leave Lola in that state.

"At the vets she had to be given pain relief as she was screaming her head off.

"I'm annoyed that no one has been prosecuted for it, but at least one good thing to come out of all of this is that Lola's heart condition had been discovered and treated."

Lola was given just a 50/50 chance of surviving the three-hour operation two weeks ago.

Thankfully, the procedure carried out at the group's Park Street hospital was a complete success.

Mr Robinson explained the dog's condition.

He said: "Before birth, a special blood vessel is used to bypass the lungs of a developing pup.

"Normally, this vessel seals soon after birth, but in Lola's case the vessel remained open, compromising the pumping ability of the heart.

"This is only the second case of its type that we have had during all our years as a veterinary practice. "