Eva

Meet Eva, a 6 year old Bull Terrier. She was introduced to RVC Surgeon Ben Leitch after she injured her cruciate when she jumped out the car.

The cruciate is the most important ligament in the dogs knee, it is also the most common orthopaedic issue we see in dogs. Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) in dogs is the equivalent of an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury in humans.

X-rays taken prior to her surgery, indicated tibial plateau levelling oestotomy (TPLO) was the best surgical option for her. Eva had pre-anaesthetic blood test before her surgery, these check the liver and kidneys, to see how well they are functioning. Her levels were well within the normal ranges which was great to see, so surgery proceeded.

Eva spent the night after surgery in the care of the hospital team, the nurses made sure she had plenty of cuddles and adequate pain relief, she was discharged back into the care of her family the next day who reported her to be happy and comfortable soon after.

There is a long road to recovery after TPLO surgery, with periods of confinement and lazy days, as activity levels are gradually increased. Eva loves going down to the river for swims with her owner, prior to surgery she was very lame and struggling. But as she is smashing her recovery, and doing really well post-op, it is hoped she should be back in the river in time for Christmas.