A dog has been given a new lease of life after having a tumour weighing "the same as 16 packs of butter" removed.

Five-year-old Purdey, who lives in Deal with owner Sheila Bowen, had a growth on her right side that had ballooned to the same width as her body after living it with it her whole life.

Despite the best efforts from local vets, the initial surgery was unsuccessful and the tumour continued to grow to the size of a pumpkin or a healthy newborn baby.

At its largest, the growth weighed in at four kilograms.

So, the Gordon Setter was eventually referred to North Downs Specialist Referrals (NSDR) in Surrey, where Benito de la Puerta, a specialist with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and leading European vet in small animal surgery led the challenging treatment.

Gerry Polton, hospital director at NDSR, said: "When Purdey came to us there was actually more breadth to her tumour than there was to the rest of her body.

"Poor Purdey had been living with this for her entire life. She bore it with such patience and stoicism, as dogs often do.

"We were determined to do what we could, provided unnecessary risks weren’t taken with her health or mobility."

After a challenging operation, the tumour was removed.

Mr Polton added: "Our surgical team, led by Benito, knew it would be a challenging operation, not least because of the extensive nature of the tumour.

"The fact the growth had infiltrated Purdey’s chest wall, including her rib cage and the tissues around the nerves that move her right front leg.

"In the end, the tumour was removed.

"The bit growing into her ribcage was removed entirely, while the surgery in the area of her armpit was extremely delicate."

Ms Bowen is delighted with the outcome and says her beloved pet has new found energy levels.

"North Downs informed us of the surgery options and the team there were calm, knowledgeable and professional, so we knew we were in the right place," she said.

"Purdey is now back to her old self – she’s still lazy and loves the sofa, but she seems happier in herself and has more energy now."

Mr Polton was thrilled with the outcome of the surgery.

He added: "We will often compare large masses to everyday items; it helps us to comprehend the enormity of what we are dealing with. Purdey has effectively lost 16 packs of butter.

"It’s so nice she can now get back to enjoying her country life."