Thomas, a lame cockapoo who has won the hearts of Cumbrians, is closer to a life without pain due to a successful Just Giving campaign.
Thomas underwent the first phase of transforming surgery at Paragon Vets in Dalston on Friday and is now recovering well.
However, this surgery wouldn't have been possible without a generous donation of nearly £3,500 to the Oak Tree Animals' Charity which looks after Thomas.
The charity took over the care of Thomas when his owner was unfortunately unable to meet his needs any longer.
He eventually found a nurturing foster home where they noticed that Thomas would occasionally limp, even after a short walk - unusual for a dog who should be 'bounding with energy'.
Further investigations revealed that Thomas suffered from hip dysplasia on both sides- a condition that can lead to severe osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease which are both extremely painful.
Orthopaedic surgeon, Gareth Harries, spent two hours reconstructing Thomas's right hip, performing a femoral head excision which approximately cost the charity £900 per hip even with discounts.
"The operation is tricky as it involves taking out a section of bone," said Graham Lewis, small animal lead at the Paragon Vets practice.
"But Gareth has done an amazing job and we are delighted with Thomas’ prognosis.
Thomas is now on strong painkillers and a strict diet of special food that is kind to the gut after an anaesthetic. He is back on his feet and has been able to go home with his foster carer."
Thomas now faces weeks of physiotherapy and laser therapy to give him the best chance at a speedy recovery.
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“It could be two months before we are able to operate on the other hip, but we are very hopeful that, by early summer, Thomas will have a new lease of life and will be pain-free," said Mr Lewis.
“Thomas grew up with this condition and has never known anything else. It’s wonderful to think that, thanks to all the people who donated to help him, Thomas is going to experience the joy of being able to run around, free, without any pain.
"He is a brave boy and a lovely natured dog who deserves the best treatment we can give him.”
Lorna de Mello, the fundraising and communications manager at Oak Tree, thanked the community for showing support.
She said: "We are looking forward to being able to make such a life-changing difference for Thomas, which wouldn't be possible without all of the support from the community. Thank you!"
Any surplus donations that have been raised will be used to take care of other animals in need at Oak Tree Animals' Charity.
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