The Jack Russell Terrier, who is thought to be around two years old, was found abandoned by a member of the public on Victoria Road on Friday. The dog, who is suffering from parvovirus, was rushed to local vets who are battling to save his life.

       The RSPCA is investigating the incident and is appealing to anyone with information to contact them.

       RSPCA Inspector Prisca Giddens said: “This poor Jack Russell was found by the side of the road and handed into the vets.

       "He is suffering from severe diarrhoea and sickness and tests have revealed that sadly this is due to parvovirus, a highly contagious viral disease with a high mortality rate among untreated dogs.

       “This poor dog is incredibly poorly and at the moment we’re not sure if he will pull through but the vets are doing everything they can to help.

       "He is not microchipped and not wearing a collar when found so we’re appealing for information to try and find out how this poor dog came to be abandoned in this state.

       “We understand that people’s circumstances can change which may mean they can no longer afford to care for their pets but there is never an excuse to abandon an animal like this, and especially a dog which is clearly so poorly and in need of urgent veterinary care.

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       “If you have any information, if you recognise this dog, or if you saw anything around Victoria Road in Oxford on Friday at around 5pm please contact the RSPCA, in strictest confidence, on 0300 123 8018.”

       Parvovirus is a highly infectious disease that can be fatal to dogs.

       The virus causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting.

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       Dogs and puppies can be vaccinated against parvovirus from the age of six weeks.

       Young puppies and unvaccinated dogs, including those who have not had their booster injections, are most at risk of becoming victims of the deadly virus.

       Earlier this week, the RSPCA appealed for information after a dog with a broken back was dumped in a field in North Yorkshire.