When Roxy, a six-year-old Boxer cross, stopped putting weight on her left hind leg, her owner Jackie knew something wasn’t right. Her journey at Vogue Vets & Wellness Centre in Stirling, Perth, led to the diagnosis of a partial cruciate ligament rupture, TPLO surgery with Dr Jasper, and encouraging early progress in recovery.
Meet Roxy – Investigating a Sore Knee
Roxy’s trouble began in June after she jumped into a car and landed in a squat position. Afterwards, she remained lame and wasn’t bearing weight on her left hind leg.
At her rehabilitation consultation on 22 June, Dr Jasper suspected an injury to her left cranial cruciate ligament. He recommended X-rays of her hips and knees to investigate the cause of her lameness.
Diagnosing Roxy’s Cruciate Ligament Injury
On 26 June, Roxy had X-rays under sedation. Her assessment recorded swelling in the left knee and a suspected partial cruciate ligament tear or degeneration.
A left TPLO was recommended to help stabilise her knee.
TPLO Surgery for Roxy’s Partial Cruciate Ligament Rupture
On 3 September 2026, Roxy underwent left TPLO surgery with Dr Jasper. During the procedure, he confirmed a partial rupture of her cranial cruciate ligament. Her medial meniscus—the cushioning structure on the inside of the knee—was intact.
TPLO stands for tibial plateau levelling osteotomy. This procedure changes the angle of the top of the shin bone to help stabilise the knee when the cruciate ligament is damaged.
For Roxy, this was the next step towards more comfortable movement.
Roxy’s Recovery After Cruciate Ligament Surgery
The day after surgery, Jackie reported that Roxy was doing well and had a good appetite—a lovely early update for the team!
At her one-week check, Roxy was bright and happy, walking well with slight lameness, and wearing her Copper body suit.
At her suture removal appointment on 17 September, Jackie reported that Roxy was doing very well. She was bearing weight and walking well, although she was still lightly touching her toes to the ground when standing at rest.
Six-Week Follow-Up After TPLO Surgery
Roxy returned on 15 October for her six-week post-operative X-rays, marking another milestone in her recovery journey.
Her early progress has been encouraging, and we’re delighted to have supported Roxy and Jackie through these first steps after surgery. Well done, Roxy—we’re cheering you on!
Cruciate Ligament Surgery in Perth
If your dog is limping or struggling to use a hind leg, our team can assess their movement and discuss the next steps.
Learn more about orthopaedic surgery at Vogue Vets or contact our Stirling clinic to arrange an appointment.