KNUTSFORD Veterinary Surgery brought Hollyoaks star Adam Rickitt’s dog back from ‘death’s door’.

The Cattle Dog named Rufus was struck down by a mystery bout of severe sickness which left him fighting for his life for three days before being able to return home, where he is continuing his recovery.

Rufus was rushed to the vets by Adam and his wife Katie after he came down with the severe bout of sickness overnight.

He spent three days being fed through a feeding tube to keep him alive and underwent investigative procedures to find the cause of the illness.

He was housed in the surgery’s overnight kennels, where he was cared for by the surgeries team of nurses as he recovered.

Dr Paul Adams, lead vet and owner of Knutsford Vet Surgery, said: “Cases like Rufus’, where survival is on a knife-edge, are always scary for everyone involved, and we know how much he means to Adam and Katie.

“When he came into the practice he was not in a good way, but we tried to remain positive and to get to the bottom of the cause while keeping him comfortable and addressing his needs.”

Adam Rickitt said: “It was one of the scariest and most upsetting experiences of my life. To see my best friend go from being so full of life and energy to knocking on death’s door broke my heart.

“Every night I had to say goodbye just in case, and it was only thanks to the incredible efforts and care from Paul and the team at Knutsford Veterinary Surgery that he has battled through.”

Dr Adams sounded a warning for dog owners after it’s believed the celebrity pet could have been affected by a mystery sickness bug.

Any owners who notice their dog is affected by acute onset prolific vomiting, which is classed as five or more episodes of vomiting in a 12-hour period, should see the vet immediately.

Adam added: “This infection is disastrous, and for it to strike a dog so strong as my dog Rufus shows how catastrophic its effects can be. Please be on the look-out for any indication, and get to your vets straight away.”