THE tortured Carlisle dog whose plight touched the hearts of people across Cumbria was this week due to have a make-or-break medical scan.

The four-year-old bull lurcher Bruce was found last month, battered and bloodied, after being subjected to appalling abuse.

He had been starved, battered, and stabbed - probably with a piece of wood with a nail attached. The dog was left with injuries so severe that one of his eyes had to be removed.

Those involved in caring for Bruce were surprised he survived - and staggered that despite everything he had gone through, the dog remained calm and friendly.

As the RSPCA continued to hunt for the person or persons responsible, it has emerged that Bruce's fate will now turn of a CT medical scan on Wednesday which will reveal the extent of his jaw injury.

If vets determine that Bruce faces a life of incurable pain, he may have to be put to sleep, the charity has warned.

Sam Jopson, the RSPCA inspector investigating the case, said: "Bruce is going to have a CT scan on Wednesday.

"It will tell us the extent of his jaw injury; and whether he needs further surgery; whether it can be rectified; and whether he's in pain. It will allow us to know his prognosis."

In the meantime, Sam said that despite speculation on social media about who may have abused Bruce there is still no hard evidence that will open the way for a prosecution.

She renewed the charity's appeal for useful information.

Sam said: "People have been throwing around a lot of names, but they have not provided us with any evidential links. People need to be sure of their facts; and they need to be willing to speak to us.

"If they provide a name, they should back it up with some evidence."

Even if informants wish to remain anonymous, their information needs to be backed up by evidence that links the person named to Bruce - possibly in the form of a photo, or an address.

Since being treated at a Carlisle veterinary practice, Bruce has been staying with a local foster carer.

He is now able to eat, and has even wagged his tail. But he does appear to be uncomfortable when he closes his mouth.

Bruce's plight was highlighted by the RSPCA after he was rescued by Carlisle City Council dog warden Vicky Carr, who set up a JustGiving fundraising page to help pay for his treatment and eventual rehoming.

There was a huge outpouring of sympathy for Bruce on social media - as well as anger at the cruel treatment meted out to him. The News & Star's Facebook post about our story was viewed by more than 600,000 people.

If you have any information which can help the RSPCA find the person, or persons, responsible, call the charity on 0300 123 8018.