Greenock whippet races to recovery after complex surgery

Twelve-year-old dog Bracken had ruptured her cruciate ligament before she was referred to a renowned veterinary referral centre in Livingston.

It was a complex operation but just eight weeks later, the beloved whippet is back to full fitness.

Bracken’s grateful owner, Lynsey Ross, said: “I’m not sure how Bracken ruptured her cruciate ligament. It was either while playing in the back garden with our other two whippets or she slipped on the stairs at the side of our house.

“She was unable to bear weight on her right back leg and I was hoping it was something like a sprain which would heal in a day or two, but unfortunately it was much more serious.

“I was shocked and worried when Veterinary Specialists Scotland told us the extent of Bracken’s injury. I was most concerned about the anaesthetic for the surgery, especially with her being a slightly older girl and also having heart issues.”

Bracken (Image: VSS)

Brigite de Lima Dantas, clinician in small animal surgery, and Alastair Mair, specialist in veterinary anaesthesia, oversaw Bracken’s treatment at VSS.

Brigite said: “Bracken’s knee was very unstable and sore. She couldn’t bear any weight on that leg and so she was operated the very next day.

“Surgery went very well, despite Bracken also having a severely damaged meniscus in the knee joint. She was stable throughout the operation but her heart rate would dip throughout, so having Alastair on site was crucial to adjust her anaesthesia plan and keep Bracken safe.

“A tibial plateau levelling osteotomy was performed, followed by eight weeks’ crate rest. Bracken now wants to play and is back to full fitness – she’s the boss lady!”

Lynsey, from Greenock, is also urging other pet owners to ensure they have adequate pet insurance in place

She added: “Brigite was amazing and explained all our options very well. Even after the operation, I was given daily updates from Brigite and the vet on call at the weekend.

“If it weren't for the fact she was somewhere with specialists in anaesthesia, cardiology as well as an experienced orthopaedic surgeon then I could well have lost her.

“Since she’s come home, I’ve been very strict with Bracken’s crate rest and she is doing amazingly well. She now wants to play with her sisters and that’s how I know she is feeling much better, as well as being back to her cheeky and sassy self.”