Following a clinical examination by Surgical Registrar Susan Murphy, Pepper was diagnosed with cruciate ligament disease in both of her legs. In the vast majority of dogs, the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) ruptures as a result of long-term degeneration, whereby the fibres within the ligament weaken over time.
Pepper’s family decided to have both sides surgically treated at the same time, so she was booked in for bilateral single-session Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery with Susan Murphy and Senior Surgeon in Orthopaedics, Russell Yeadon. Her post-operative x-ray images can be seen in the gallery below.
Pepper will need lots of rest and controlled exercise over the coming six weeks to ensure she has a smooth recovery. She has been a delight to look after, winning over the team with her spaniel charms and enjoying plenty of cuddles whilst recovering on the ward.
Related conditions
Cruciate ligament disease or injury
The cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) in dogs is the same as the “anterior” cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans. It is a band of…
Rehabilitation of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease
Cranial cruciate ligament disease may be treated either conservatively or surgically. The decision to treat your dog’s cranial cruciate ligament disease with conservative…
Services used in this story
Fitzpatrick Referrals is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of orthopaedic and neurological diseases in small animals.
