A friend of mine is currently looking for a vet to perform cruciate surgery on her 9 year old newfie/collie cross. She lives in the Derbyshire area so a surgeon in the north west area would be preferable.  Also she is wondering about the success rate for such a big dog - he weighs approx 40 kg. - and possible complications during the recovery period. She has been told there are 3 different types of op so it would be very helpful to know which type people have opted for.

All advice/tips etc would be very welcome, thanks.

Chris May at North West Surgeons is brilliant

Agree with Perry although Mr Maddock (?sp) did George's leg.  The staff are so helpful and caring and are always happy to offer advice over the 'phone as George went lame on his other leg a few months ago (turned out to just be a sprain!).  They only accept referrals but I would definitely use them again.  They are based near Chester.

Sorry, can't recommend anyone (I'm in the southeast), but my rottie girl had TPLO surgery a couple of years ago now, she was 3 at the time so much younger than your friends dog, but she weighs in at around the same, and we've had no probs with her surgery. Our only issue was that she ruptured the other leg 6 weeks after surgery on the original leg, and recovery time for this one took quite a bit longer as the original leg was not yet back to full strength, and I think 2 big ops in a short space of time just took it out of her a bit.

She was plastered hip to toe, so was able to get around, we bought some rubble sacks that we taped to her leg using electrical tape to keep the plaster dry. Once the stitches were out and the wound was "sealed" we took her to hydrotherapy, starting off on the treadmill, and then progressed to the pool.

My Rottie x GSD had surgery on her ruptured cruciate this year and had it done by the TPLO method which is reccomended for heavy dogs. My girl is 44kg.
She had 6 weeks complete cage rest after the op and then slowly started short walks and hydrotherapy.  She is 100% sound on the leg and exercises as normal and is never stiff and never limps.  She is 5 years old and you would never know she has had a problem.
I am in the SE so sorry cannot reccomend anyone in your area.  I got my vet to refer me to a top specialist who was very experienced in this type of surgery, so I would reccomend you ask your vet to do the same.

Thanks for all replies - I will pass the info on to my friend, she will be really grateful.

Definate North West Surgeons.  They are in Frodsham, Cheshire.   I've seen Steve Bright and Mr Maddock on two separate issues.  Fantastic place.

Ian Barclay,Rutland house,st Helens mersyside.Heard excellent reports.

Sheila

I work at a vets in the north west and we either refer to Rutland House usually to see Duncan Midgeley or Kentdale veterniary referrals in Kendal to see Simon Roach. Have had excellent reports from both and myself has had two of my dogs seen at Kentdale and cannot fault them at all they were excellent and am really pleased with both the results and the manner in which my boys were treated.

Thanks - very useful info.:)