CUTTING‑EDGE CANINE MIRACLE! Bristol vets use groundbreaking veterinary implant new to UK

2xl

transparent

right-aligned

white

A young dog from Aberystwyth has been given a brand‑new lease of life thanks to cutting‑edge orthopaedic implant technology now being used at CVS’ Bristol Vet Specialists - with surgeons calling it one of the most advanced joint‑repair techniques available in veterinary medicine today.

Ozzy, a lively Australian Cattle Dog who was only 1‑year‑7‑month‑old, had been struggling for months with worsening lameness after his owner, Ms Cerys Williams, noticed he was limping and sitting awkwardly on his right hind leg.

Despite rest and pain relief, the problem continued. So, he was referred by his local vets, to Bristol Vet Specialists animal hospital, after his condition failed to improve.

When Ozzy arrived, he was severely lame and clearly uncomfortable. His hocks were hyperextended, he avoided putting weight on his right hind limb, and both his tarsi were swollen and painful. A CT scan revealed the cause: bilateral osteochondritis dissecans of the tarsus - a painful joint condition that, without intervention, could leave him with lifelong arthritis and progressive disability.

Xray image of Ozzy

Xray image of Ozzy 2

Instead of facing restricted mobility or major salvage surgery, Ozzy became one of the first dogs in the UK to receive a pioneering custom‑made ‘joint resurfacing implant’ - designed specifically for his own joint anatomy.

His cutting‑edge implant combines ultra‑strong titanium with a high‑tech thermoplastic polyurethane surface - a clever springy material that behaves just like real cartilage – to create a “bionic joint” so advanced it could come straight out of a sci‑fi movie. The implants were created in collaboration with animalTECH, a specialist orthopaedic manufacturer in Germany. Using Ozzy’s CT scan, animalTECH designed the bespoke implant, custom surgical guides and even 3D‑printed bone models, allowing the surgical team to rehearse the entire procedure before stepping into theatre.

The two hour operation was led by Dan Ogden, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon and Head of Surgery at Bristol Vet Specialists. To access the damaged joint surface, surgeons temporarily removed a section of Ozzy’s tibia, preserving the surrounding ligaments. Using the tailor‑made guides, they precisely reamed out the defective cartilage and underlying bone before seating the implant in place. The tibia was then repaired using screws and a locking plate. The precision of the implant design meant the resurfaced joint could match Ozzy’s natural anatomy, helping preserve joint stability and movement.

Dan Ogden, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon at Bristol Vet Specialists, said:

“Before we had access to this technology, our treatment options were really limited. The standard approach was to remove the loose, damaged cartilage, but that only gives good results in around a third of cases, and arthritis almost always continues to progress. In severe situations, we’d have to consider fusing the joint, which takes away the pain but also takes away a lot of movement. Full joint replacements aren’t suitable for many dogs either, especially the smaller or more energetic breeds.These new implants are a completely fresh alternative. Instead of removing or freezing the joint, we can actually rebuild the damaged area with a smooth, pain‑free surface that’s custom‑designed for each patient. It gives dogs like Ozzy the best possible chance of getting both their comfort and their mobility back.”

Ozzy’s recovery involved eight weeks of strict rest, followed by a gradual return to exercise. His improvement has been striking. He is now off all pain medication, far more comfortable, and his owner Cerys reports only the occasional brief skipping step.

Cerys said:

“Every step and procedure was fully explained and I was kept informed throughout. This made me feel comfortable leaving Ozzy in their care. Not even having major surgery made Ozzy nervous when we had to re-visit for check ups. Ozzy was treated like royalty. He loved his visits and was always welcomed by the staff and vet by name. Ozzy is now doing well with his recovery, attending physiotherapy every 6 weeks, and I can clearly see he is a much happier, pain-free dog who can now enjoy life. The service and care that Ozzy received at BVS was exceptional. Ozzy and I have nothing but praise and gratitude for the excellent service and care that we received from Dr Dan Ogden, and all his colleagues at BVS.”

Ozzy in recovery

Bristol Vet Specialists is one of the largest and most advanced animal hospitals in the UK. The 30,000 sq. ft. multidisciplinary hospital has been custom-built with cutting-edge facilities and equipment. It employs some of the most qualified and experienced veterinary professionals in the world and employs a multi-disciplinary approach, with an entire team around every patient to ensure the best outcome. The site has been designed to facilitate the development of new and emerging treatments and offers the latest technology and treatments in all small animal disciplines including; general surgery, orthopaedics, neurology and neurosurgery, internal medicine, ophthalmology, cardiology, dermatology, oncology and dentistry, as well as dedicated anaesthesia, analgesia, diagnostic imaging and intensive care departments. To learn more visit Bristol Vet Specialists.