Hip replacement? - Page 1

I am exploring the possibility of having total hip replacement for a 15 month old dog and would be interested in hearing from others who have opted to do this, any advice you could offer would be most appreciated.  Not sure yet if we are replacing one or both hips, but probably we will have to do both.

Where are you located?  Finding the right ortho specialist is a big key in this operation...

My first SchH dog had a total of three THR and one FHO..

I would recommend the surgery for dogs who are having a hard time getting around and it will improve the quality of life and you have an excellent surgeon...

Karmen

Thank you Karmen.  We are checking out University of Ga.  Why did your dog have 3 hip replacements, was there a problem with one?  Did you have to do THR as a salvage after FHO? Can I email you "off board" with some further questions?  I have been doing pain relievers, acupuncture, chiro, supplements to maintain the dog until he was old enough for surgery.  He is comfortable but we can see that surgery is our only option at this point. 

I've not had experience with either of these surgeries, but want to wish you luck with your dog. It's just heartbreaking when a youngster has severe HD. Fortunately, there are some very good surgeries now available that should help him lead a pain free life. Let us know how you make out.

I am sure the U of GA has great vets but for me if I were to do it again, which I would, I would go back to the vet I finally ended up with in Chicago.   I know students need to learn but not at expense of my animal, not again.  My dog had her THR at OSU and it was a disaster, not only with failing surgery but with doctors, students, staff.  They almost did the wrong hip.  I got m dog back and was shocked to see the whole back half of her was shaved, not just the leg that was to be operated on.  They left her filthy and didn't bother to try to clean off her leg from dirt afterwards.  She developed a terrible infection two months post op and trying to get them to see me again was a nightmare.  To make a long story short my mother worked for an orthopedic company and we got referred to Dr. Turner in Chicago.  He did a revision on her and put her on antibiiotics for three months.  The infection had raged so long because OSU wouldn't take care of the problem that the THR failed again.  He took all components out and she was left with an FHO.  She did great with it.  Only a slight off gate, nothing bad.  But after hopping around for months on three legs..I mean literally hopped for three months even with pain killers, they did the other hip.  It was so bad they had to take bone from her shoulder and reconstruct the acetabulum so they could put the THR in.  That THR went perfect. In three months she was normal and feeling great.  Unfortunate cicumstances occured months later with her spine and she was paralzyed and in so much pain.   I put her down at 9.5 years old.  That is why I emphasize a super surgeon.  What I hated at OSU was they took my dog from and wouldn't let me there for the exam.  They did it in the back and the students didn't know beans from apple butter.  Very frustrating needless to say....

Karmen

Karmen, I am so sorry to hear about what you went through.  We unfortunately cannot get to Chicago -- but one thing I plan to ask is whether the vets will see us ASAP if there is any problem WHATSOEVER, and if not, we will not proceed further.  Did you have a hard time keeping your dog quiet for the time required?  Our dog is pretty high drive and I do worry about that, but he is confident and I believe he has a strong will to live and thrive. 

Karmen,

Where is Dr. Turner located in Chicago?  Is he affiliated with a veterinary hospital?  I am always looking for better specialist in the area as opposed to Madison.....

Thank you,

Darcy

Braxie was a high drive female so keeping her confined was an issue because she wanted to be free and rule.  I set her up in an ex pen away from all other dogs.  She had just enough room to be comfortable, more than a crate but not enough to be stupid. She had her bed in there and a bowl of water and that was about it for the room she had.   For the first month it was outside, potty, right back in, all on leash.  Then it was tiny leash wallking the second month and after the third month they say they can return to "normal" exercise.  Braxie was a trooper through it all.  Had I gone to Dr. Turner first, I think my out come would have been more positive.  Be thorough when asking questions and demand to be there when the dog is examined.  Good luck and I really think THR can improve the quality of life tremendously....

Darcy,

Dr. Tom Turner is at VCA Berwyn Animal Hospital

2845 S. Harlem Ave Berwyn IL. 

I can't say enough good things about him.  He is excellent and very dedicated to his work.  I would not hesitate to take any of my dogs back to him for ANY orthopedic issue. 

Karmen

I am so sorry to hear about your baby. My male puppy has had elbow surgery and it went very well. If you can make it to Maryland for the surgery, I can HIGHLY reccomend a vet. He is fantastic and people come from all over North America for him. He did an excellent job with my boy and specializes in working and agility dogs. His name is Dr. Sherman Canapp and here is his website. I cannot say enough good things about him and his staff.

 http://vetsportsmedicine.com/index.html

Thank you all for your input and moral support; actually I am able to be somewhat philosophical about this, because our previous GSD we lost to a virulent colon cancer that spread like wildfire.  There was nothing we could do about that, so in this situation we are at least grateful to have options!  I will keep you all posted!