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Posted: 7th July 2026

Police dog recovering after specialist spine surgery
Captain had six damaged discs in his spine, with two other discs significantly degenerated.
The German shepherd needed therapy to prepare for his operation.

A German shepherd is recovering after undergoing major surgery, following spinal damage caused by years of police service.

Nine-year-old Captain’s time in service with West Midlands Police had caused degeneration to the discs in his spine.

Captain served in West Midlands Police for three years, until he was forced to retire early due to injury. He had ruptured his cruciate ligament in 2021 but, despite surgery, he had to leave his career as a general purpose dog.

However, his strenuous career had also led to significant damage to his spine. The discs in his spine had degenerated, putting pressure on his spinal cord.

Captain had six damaged discs in his spine, with MRI scans revealing that two other discs were significantly degenerated. The resulting pressure on his spine was causing him problems in his back legs.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation supports retired police dogs with veterinary treatment after their retirement. The charity launched a fundraising appeal in 2024 to pay for the specialist operation.

However, veterinary surgeons soon determined that Captain was not strong enough to undergo treatment.

To prepare him for surgery, Captain was prescribed therapeutic treatments. This included twice weekly hydrotherapy, which improved his mobility and built up his strength, and daily medication to manage the pain.

Kieran Stanbridge, founder of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, said: “The Foundation has funded all of his treatment to date, including diagnostic tests and consultations, two MRI scans, 198 hydrotherapy sessions and the pioneering surgery, at a total cost of around £20,000. Thankfully, the hydrotherapy helped prepare Captain and he had his surgery on Tuesday (26 June) before returning home to recover.”

The surgery took four hours to complete, with surgeons repairing two spinal discs and removing some bone. He then had to stay at the veterinary practice for a further five days before he was discharged.

According to his surgeons, a further three to six months would have been a less positive prognosis.

Mr Stanbridge added: “His owner Marcus, who also handled him during his police career, has been by his side throughout his life and has been sleeping on the sofa to keep Captain company while he has to take it easy.

“The bond they have is so special and it’s wonderful to see them back together and Captain well on his way to recovery.”

Captain’s owner, PC Marcus Cottrell, said: “I will be eternally grateful for the charity and its supporters for giving Captain a second chance at having a happy retirement. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Image © The Thin Blue Paw Foundation



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