TV PRESENTER Carol Smillie has told how vets at a Scots animal hospital saved her pet dog's life.

Carol and her family were devastated when their vet said black labrador Meg had cancer - and would be dead within a month without treatment.

Two months ago, 12-year-old Meg had surgery to remove a malignant bone tumour at the animal hospital run by Glasgow University.

One of Meg's hind legs had to be amputated but the friendly pooch is back home, full of vitality and adapting to life on three limbs.

Carol said: "If it wasn't for the vets and nurses at the university, Meg would not be here today."

And now, to say thanks to the vets, Carol is backing the university's £10million campaign to build a new animal hospital at the Garscube Estate in Bearsden.

The unit will help to save thousands more animals like Meg.

The Smillie clan - Carol, husband Alex Knight and children Christie, 12, Robbie, 9, and eight-year-old Jodie - can't thank the staff at the hospital enough for giving Meg a second chance.

Carol, 45, said: "We've had Meg since she was a tiny puppy and she's always been at the centre of our family - we all absolutely adore her.

"Even though she's getting on, she is very fit and active so we decided to put her into the hands of the vets at the small animal hospital - they were our only hope."

After the operation Meg spent 10 days recovering in the wards and is now enjoying being spoiled at home in Glasgow's South Side.

Carol added: "The fact we all have more precious time ahead with Meg is down to the vets and nurses at the hospital, and they will always have our thanks.

"Their dedication and kindness is amazing.

"Glasgow is a city of animal lovers and I hope as many people as possible will support the campaign."

Work will begin on the new building, which will have cancer treatment facilities and a rehabilitation centre, in early autumn, with completion due in 2008.

It will be built next to the existing hospital, which treats around 6000 animals a year, but the new building would have room for many more.

So far almost £7m has been pledged to help with costs - but £3m still needs to be raised.

Professor Stuart Carmichael, Associate Dean of the university's veterinary faculty, said: "Our facilities will truly be some of the best in the world.

"We also lead vital research and train almost 100 vets a year.

"The new hospital will ensure the city's animals get the very best of care."