Fox terrier Spikey tips the scales at twice weight he should be

IS THIS Queensland’s fattest fox terrier? Surrendered to the RSPCA, rescue Spikey has tipped the scales at 17kg, and should weigh less than half that.

Spikey the fox terrier is tipping the scales at 17kg - he should be about 7kg. Picture: Jamie Hanson

IS THIS Queensland’s fattest fox terrier?

Surrendered to the RSPCA, rescue pooch Spikey has tipped the scales at a whopping 17kg, and should weigh in at almost less than half that.

In the care of Chihuahua Rescue Qld since Thursday, president Carrie Traynor said Spikey was on a strict diet to shed up to 10kg as Brisbane’s weather heats up.

The morbidly obese dog can hardly walk and moving just a few metres is a strain on his already weak joints.

Ms Traynor said Spikey’s owners could not afford vet treatment and were concerned he might have a life-threatening condition.

Medical testing is under way by Greencross Browns Plains vet director Cassie Gleeson to determine if seven-year-old Spikey has Cushing’s disease, which could interfere with the dog’s endocrine system and cause weight gain.

Without proper medical care the pooch’s life would have been cut short.

“He has no energy and is lethargic. Even walking a few metres is just too much,” Ms Traynor said. “Realistically he should be about 7kg.”

Dr Gleeson said she had seen a large ratio of overweight pets come into her clinic with many owners not realising their pets had a problem.

“About 30 per cent to 40 per cent of dogs are overweight,” Dr Gleeson said.

“Owners need to exercise their dogs and feed them the correct food to help get their weight down”.

Spikey will remain in foster care for about three months before he is available for adoption.