It is possible that at some point in the future my dog may need surgery for his hip dysplasia. I say "possible" because we're trying and doing everything now to avoid it. The surgery suggested was a total hip replacement.

The vets and surgeon say it will "take care of the problem" and they said that with a lot of confidence.

I have a pretty good idea of what recovery will entail.

What I don't know is how successful a surgery like this would ultimately be? I don't know of any dogs who have had it done. Does this surgery allow a dog to move and act like a non-dysplasia dog? Would his quality of life really be measurably improved?

If anyone has first-hand knowledge or experience...positive or negative...with a total hip replacement I would so appreciate hearing about it. And again, surgery is a possiblity mentioned for sometime in the future if/when his HD worsens. He may never need it. I'd just like to start finding out more about it now.

Thanks

I've seen dogs that have been much less painful the day after surgery. Walking easier, needing less pain meds than just the day prior.

I've also seen it go horribly wrong. A doberman comes to mind. He somehow screwed up his THR equipment (broke metal), then broke a bone, then got an infection. He was not a calm dog to start with; it's possible he started the avalanche of disaster- but it's possible that the surgery went wrong too.

Now that I've scared you - most go well. The painful dogs are much more comfortable post op. Physical Therapy if you're somewhere near it, will help recovery and long term prognosis.

There is an ortho group on yahoo, there will be people in there with experience. yahoo ortho dogs group

I've seen a number of very young dogs around here (like 9 months old) that had developed severe dysplasia in their hips and were moving around like old dogs. Bunny-hopping, reluctance to get up or climb stairs, soreness etc.

So far, I've seen 3 of them after they got total hip replacement surgeries and they're as good as new. Better than new, in fact, you couldn't tell them apart from the OFA excellent dogs if you tried

From my very limited experience it seems to be a fantastic treatment (expensive though). I can't believe they're the same dogs; they run and jump all over the place now and their owners can't keep them still!

Best of luck with your little one... I know that hearing the hip dysplasia diagnosis is heart-breaking. My female shepherd was diagnosed at 3 years (by X-rays) although she fortunately didn't start showing symptoms until she was 7-8 years old. We opted not to go for surgery with her because it never got very bad for her. In fact she's 11 years old now and can still go for 2-3 hour walks every day going at a steady trot. She has no trouble keeping up with my monster pup (though she does bunny-hop when galloping).

She doesn't jump anymore and isn't too happy about climbing stairs, but glucosamine, vitamin C, and an all natural raw diet are keeping her strong and healthy.

She was also kept very thin her entire life.

(I'm sure you know all this, anyone with a dysplastic dog would, sorry! lol)

Anna & Yuko,

Thanks so very much for your replies. I can well imagine all the things that can go wrong but I am happy to hear about positive results.

Kind regards,
Sarah

My own experience was quite good. My 10 yr old male had total hip replacement & was doing really well after only 1 month.

Years ago at the Schutzhund Nationals held in So Calif there was a malinois competing in the Police Nationals that had total hip replacement of both hips. The dog was a tremendous worker.

My dog had a hip replaced at 7 yrs and he felt so much better within days and never looked back. I feel that if your dog needs a replacement and you can afford it, don't wait. Just the pain relief from then on is worth it.

Elaine & Sue,

More encouraging feedback...great to hear!

Thank you

I had a hip replacement for my shar-pei pitbull mix when he was 7 three years ago. We found out the extensiveness of his hip arthritis/dysplasia when his leg was disloacted. The hip that was actually dislocated was not as bad as the one that was not but due to the severity of the dislocation it would not hold. Oneof the emergency vets was pushing for the Femoral Head Removal as it was cheaper. While I was a poor single gal (and still am) I opted for the $3,000 hip replacement. I had to sell things from thrift stores on ebay for over 3 years to pay for it but it was TOTALLY WORTH IT. He was better than new and his new hip compensates for the other one. I give him cosequin as well. I would definately recommend this even though it is expensive I think if he had the femoral head removal he would be in much more pain and limited mobility. I know this is a delayed response to the original post but wanted to add my 2 cents for anyone considering it. Have a certified surgeon...