A five-year-old dog is back on all paws again after suffering severe mobility issues.

Lyra, a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, underwent surgery at Kentdale Referrals in Milnthorpe, after her back legs started causing her problems.

Initially, Lyra’s lameness was confined to one hind leg, but over time her condition worsened, and the other back leg began to be affected.

Lyra had a condition which affected both hind legs (Image: Supplied) The condition made it difficult for her to stand up.

In-depth examinations revealed that the problem was with Lyra’s stifle joints, the canine equivalent of human knees.

In Lyra’s case, her cranial cruciate ligaments began to fray, leading to lumbar spinal pain as a secondary condition.

Lyra had a problem with her stifle joints, the canine equivalent of knees (Image: Supplied) Lyra’s owner, Christine Sharpe from Blawith, said: "Lyra started to have problems using her hind legs when trying to stand up.

"Despite treatment by our local vets and three weeks of complete rest the problem was not resolved so we were referred to Kentdale.

"While we were relieved to find out what the problem was, we were also concerned that she’d need surgery.

"However, Lyra is still relatively young, and we were determined to give her the best quality of life."

Simon Roch, an RCVS-recognised specialist in small animal surgery (orthopaedics), oversaw Lyra’s operation, which involved rotating the upper section of the tibia and securing the bone fragments with a plate and screws—a procedure known as tibial plateau levelling osteotomy.

After the surgery, Lyra was provided with a home exercise plan by Emma Woof, veterinary physiotherapist.

The plan included exercises like sit-to-stand, along with ongoing physiotherapy and massage sessions.

Lyra’s owner, Ms Sharpe, said: "I can’t fault the care given by Kentdale and we’re continuing to slowly extend the time she walks on the lead.

"It’s great that she’s much like her old self with no problems standing up."