As an orthopaedic nurse, Paula Pagett helps hip replacement patients on a daily basis.

Now she is using her skills at home to tend her eight-month-old Labrador, Bosley, while he recovers from a major hip operation.

Despite his tender age, Bosley would have developed severe arthritis and ultimately been crippled, if the condition, known as hip displasia, was not treated.

So he spent seven hours under the knife at Drove Veterinary Hospital, in Croft Road, having metal plates screwed into his hip joints to correct the problem.

Mrs Pagett, 34, is now nursing him back to health at their home in Wroughton.

She said: "I have arranged two weeks' annual leave. Bosley is such a special puppy, I'm more than happy to be his private nurse."

Bosley will also be showered with affection from Mrs Pagett's husband, Stephen, 32, and their children, Rory, six, and Megan, two.

Mrs Pagett said: "We have all been missing him like crazy. He is a proper member of the family and we love to fuss over him."

His owner didn't think twice about going ahead with the expensive procedure.

She said: "Fortunately he is insured. But we would have booked him in regardless. Bosley is so adorable, we would probably re-mortgage our house for him."

The family are especially keen to save Bosley's legs because he is such an impressive dancer. Before falling lame, the pup was busy bopping to festive hits like Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End) by The Darkness.

Mrs Pagett said: "He was hilarious and would shimmy down with Rory and Megan."

Bosley is also known for hoarding teddies in his basket and playing with Rory's train set.

After Christmas Bosley lost his playful spirit and started limping. A trip to the Drove Veterinary Surgery confirmed his hips were out of joint and he needed a triple pelvic osteotomy, which involves cutting his pelvis in three places and inserting steel plates.

Vet David Prince, who performed the operation, said: "It is a big operation. But hopefully Bosley will be back on his feet and walking again in two months. He is certainly in high spirits and we are keeping a close eye on him."

vtagg@newswilts.co.uk