Animal Orthopaedics Christchurch

24/11/2025

A TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) is a commonly performed surgery to treat cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries in dogs. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the procedure and aftercare expectations so you feel prepared for your dog’s recovery.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive following a TPLO surgery. If you need further support, our amazing nursing team is always available to help! 🖤💛

19/11/2025

🐾 Molly’s TPLO Journey 🐾

Molly, Boxer cross, came in with a complete right cruciate ligament rupture. She had TPLO surgery on 17/10/2025 with us which went very smoothly. She was a joy of a patient to take care of!

Owner update: Beautiful miss Molly enjoying the sunny days then snuggled into her blankets in the evening and she is doing really well ❤️ We’re thrilled with her progress and can’t wait to see her back to full activity!

16/11/2025

🖤💛 November is Senior Pet Awareness Month! 💛🖤

Our older pets hold a special place in our hearts — and in our clinic. 🐾
As pets age, their joints and muscles naturally go through changes that can affect their comfort and mobility. The good news? With the right care, senior pets can stay active, happy, and pain-free well into their golden years.

Regular check-ups, gentle exercise, weight management, and physiotherapy can make a huge difference in maintaining their quality of life.

If your senior pet is slowing down, stiff after rest, or reluctant to jump or play, an assessment can help.

Let’s celebrate our wise, wonderful seniors — they deserve every bit of comfort and care. 💕

13/11/2025

We are CLOSED for Canterbury Anniversary 🖤💛

If you have a concern about your pet today or over the weekend, please contact your family vet or local after hours centre 🐾

Have a safe and happy long weekend!

09/11/2025

Beautiful Neeson 🦁💛

Thank you for referring this lovely boy to us! Neeson had a Left TPLO for a complete cruciate rupture. Surgery went smoothly with stable recovery and lots of love from our team 🖤💛

Neeson is recovering well and starting his physio plan with the team at Animal Physio NZ to get him back on his paws 💪

05/11/2025

05/11/2025

🎆 Guy Fawkes Night Reminder! 🎆

While fireworks are fun for humans, they can be terrifying for our pets. Every year there are dozens of calls about frightened, injured, or missing animals around this time.

💡 Keep your pets safe this Guy Fawkes:

🐾 Keep them indoors with windows and curtains closed to muffle out any sounds and block bright lights.
🎵 Turn on the TV or radio to mask loud bangs, classical music is always a hit, or a calming playlist for dogs on Spotify.
🏠 Give them a safe, comfy space to hide and stay home with your pet so they have the safety of you.
📍 Make sure they’re microchipped and wearing ID tags.
🐶 Walk dogs early in the day and never let off fireworks near animals.

Let’s keep our furry (and feathered!) friends safe and calm this 5th of November ❤️

02/11/2025

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29/10/2025

MEET MOLLY 🖤💛

Molly was referred to us by the great team at At the Vets and presented with a rupture of her right cranial cruciate ligament.

Her Procedure: Dr. Lynne Wilkins performed a right TPLO for a complete cruciate ligament rupture and medial meniscus tear addressed and stifle stabilised with a 3.5mm locking plate.

Molly had a smooth recovery 📸 Post-op X-rays show excellent alignment and implant placement.
Molly had big cuddles with our vet nurse Alex, is resting comfortably and starting her physio plan with Animal Physio NZ 💪

26/10/2025

We are CLOSED for labour day 🖤💛

If you have an emergency with your pet, please contact your GP vet or your closest afterhours service.

We hope you have a safe and happy long weekend.

22/10/2025

🐾 Meet Louis - The cutest dino you ever did see! 🐾

Louis is a lively 12-week-old American Bulldog when he recently came in for assessment of his hips and elbows. While he’s super active and playful at home, X-rays showed severe hip dysplasia on the right and moderate on the left.

To give him the best start in life, we performed a Juvenile P***c Symphysiodesis (JPS) to help improve hip development and reduce the risk of early arthritis. With his young age and growth potential, this procedure gives Louis a great chance at a more comfortable, active future! 💛🐶

***cSymphysiodesis

19/10/2025

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! 🌾 Grass Seed Season is Here! 🌾

Barbed grass seeds can get stuck in your pet’s fur, paws, ears, or nose — causing pain, infection, or even serious internal problems.

Tips to protect your pet:

Watch for: limping, licking, swelling, sneezing, or eye irritation. 👀
Avoid tall grass
Groom regularly
Check paws, ears, and coat after walks

If you spot any signs of trouble, see your vet promptly — early action keeps pets safe and happy! 🐾💚