A Haywards Heath family is celebrating after its pet has made a miraculous recovery.

Nigel Wilson, 51, Milly the Golden Retriever's owner, was told by his veterinary practice his dog's chances of survival were slim due to a suspected blood clot on the brain.

The Mewes Vets, in Haywards Heath, told 12-year-old Milly's owners that it was the worst case of Vestibular Disease she had ever seen in a dog.

Milly was unable to stand, and when disturbed would attempt to roll over and twist her body into strange postures.

Nigel Wilson, Milly's owner, told how his pet took a turn for the worst practically overnight.

Talking about the moment he realised something was wrong, he said: "We came downstairs to find Milly in great distress - staggering, her eyes constantly flicking from side to side and then completely collapsing. “

But neither Julia nor Milly's owners were willing to give up, and so she was admitted into hospital, where the nursing team supported her miracle recovery.

Mr Wilson said: “We rushed her over to Julia at the vets, where she was given immediate treatment. She has slowly but surely made an amazing recovery.”

Denise Scutt, veterinary nurse at The Mewes Vets, said: “I felt so worried that she would deteriorate in those first few hours.

“But Julia gave her medication and a gentle sedative as the pet was very, very upset, and after a while she fell asleep.

“When she woke up I was able to tempt her to eat a little bit, and then I knew that she had a chance of survival.”

Thanks to the vets' work, Milly is now back at home.

Mrs Mewes said: “I have never seen a dog attempt to contort herself quite like Milly did. She looked terrible on arrival. 

I have seen many similar cases, but none so severe. It's absolutely wonderful to see her back at home.

“We do get some good news stories, but this one is a bit special.

“When she came in it really did look like she wasn't going to make it - I'd never seen such a severe case. But she responded to treatment within hours to give us that little bit of hope.”

Photographer Mr Wilson, who lives at home with actress wife Helene, 46, and son Toby, 11, said: “She's good, still a little bit wobbly but she's good.

“To have her back in the house is amazing.”