Cash, a 7‑year‑old American Red Wolf living at the North Carolina Zoo, plays a vital role in the effort to preserve the red wolf species. So, when keepers noticed him limping, they knew swift action was essential.

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About American Red Wolves

The American Red Wolf is the world’s most endangered wolf. Although recovery programs exist, the species remains on the brink of extinction.

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Why Are American Red Wolves Endangered?

Over the last century, red wolves faced severe habitat loss, poaching, trapping, and conflicts with humans and livestock. These pressures drastically reduced their numbers, leading to today’s critically endangered status.

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A Critical Diagnosis for Cash the Red Wolf

“There are fewer than 25 red wolves in the wild and only about 240 in managed care,” said Jb Minter, DVM, DACZM, Director of Animal Health at the North Carolina Zoo. “Every red wolf is valuable.”

An arthroscopic evaluation by Dr. Duffy revealed a complete tear of Cash’s cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)—the equivalent of an ACL injury in humans.

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What is a CCL Injury?

A CCL injury is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. The CCL stabilizes the knee (stifle) joint. When it tears, the knee becomes painful, unstable, and inflamed, leading to symptoms like limping, trouble standing, and reluctance to jump or run.

While dogs often injure the ligament from genetics, age, weight gain, or sudden movements, Cash’s case involved a significant traumatic tear—especially concerning for a critically endangered animal.

“This was a true traumatic injury, not the typical degenerative changes we see in dogs,” Dr. Duffy said.

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Advanced TPLO Surgery Helps Cash Heal

In February 2021, Dr. Duffy performed a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) using the Arthrex TPLO Plating System.

“I love the design, caudal plate contour, and low profile of the Arthrex TPLO System,” Dr. Duffy said. “It fits smoothly and allows immediate weight-bearing post-surgery.”

During the TPLO procedure, Dr. Duffy reshaped the top of Cash’s shinbone to help steady the knee without relying on the torn ligament. This approach is commonly used in dogs and is designed to reduce pain, improve stability, and help animals return to comfortable, confident movement.

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Arthrex Helps American Red Wolf Return to Peak Health

Cash spent 10 weeks recovering under close observation at the North Carolina Zoo.

“He’s doing really well,” Dr. Minter said. “Our keepers follow him with binoculars, and he’s running around like normal.”

Dr. Duffy added, “Helping an animal like Cash, who plays a vital role in species survival, is truly humbling.”

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Advanced Veterinary Solutions From Arthrex

Your dog may not be as rare as Cash, but their comfort and mobility matter just as much. Arthrex Vet Systems offers advanced orthopedic implants—trusted by veterinarians in both everyday and extraordinary cases.

Talk to your vet about whether Arthrex Vet Systems TPLO solutions are right for your dog.