Pepper’s story – bilateral TPLO for cruciate ligament disease
Pepper is a sweet-natured, five-year-old Cocker Spaniel from London. She was referred to Fitzpatrick Referrals Orthopaedics and Neurology by her vet at Molly & Max Veterinary Practice, with suspected cruciate ligament disease.
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 Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery with Susan Murphy and Senior Surgeon in Orthopaedics, Russell Yeadon. Her post-operative x-rays 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.