This is Molly, a nine-year-old bulldog cross. Molly developed a limp on her right back leg and was referred to Animal Trust Bolton.

An x-ray and examination under sedation confirmed a cruciate ligament rupture, a tear in one of the knee ligaments. This common condition can cause pain and instability in the knee, making walking difficult.

Vet surgeon Brandan, assisted by vet nurse Camilla, performed a TPLO surgery (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy), restoring Molly’s limb function. Brandan has performed over 150 of these procedures, so he is particularly experienced with this technique.

We are happy to report that Molly is now back on her feet, pain-free, mobile and enjoying her walks again. We wish her good health for the future!

Cruciate Surgery - TPLO

Certain breeds, including Labradors, Rottweilers, American Bulldogs, and Bichon Frisés, have a genetic predisposition to cruciate ligament injuries. In these cases, ligament degeneration and rupture can occur even without significant trauma. The risk is also higher in middle-aged and overweight dogs.

For most dogs, surgical intervention is recommended to restore knee joint stability, relieve pain, and slow the progression of arthritis. Without surgery, the joint remains unstable, leading to chronic pain and further deterioration. For more information on cruciate surgery with Animal Trust Vets see link.

Please see link if you'd like to find out more about our Vet Referral Services, this service is open any pet owner.