Total Hip Replacement for a Dog with Hip Dysplasia

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Thomas D. Scavelli, DVM, DACVS
Garden State Veterinary Specialists

Hip Dysplasia is an abnormal development and growth of the hip joint. Both Hips are usually affected, but only one hip may show symptoms. The onset of clinical signs may not occur in both hips simultaneously. Hip Dysplasia is manifested by varying degrees of laxity or looseness of the muscles and ligaments around the hip joint with instability and malformation of the joint components. Arthritis is the long term consequence of hip joint looseness.

The clinical signs of Hip Dysplasia are lameness and pain which can be evident as early as four to six months of age. The symptoms can initially be as subtle as stiffness in the morning, slowness in getting up from a prone position, a change in stride, reluctance to stand up on the hind legs and not wanting to exercise as long or as vigorously as usual. Sometimes the only clue is an “inactive” or “laid back” puppy. The symptoms may not be present until a dog is middle-aged or older. Dogs showing signs of discomfort can be any age and of any size.

A total hip replacement (THR) procedure is designed to eliminate the source of discomfort by replacing the arthritic hip joint with an artificial joint. Replacement of the hip joint is a state-of-the-art procedure, very similar to the procedure in humans. The arthritic femoral head and neck are removed and replaced with a metal implant made of cobalt chrome and titanium. The arthritic socket is removed and replaced with a plastic cup. Both components are held in place with sterile bone cement. The metal head and plastic cup fit and function like the original ball and socket joint providing pain-free, mechanically sound function.

The surgery itself takes 90 to 120 minutes during which the patient is closely monitored and extensive precautions are taken to prevent infection. Most dogs routinely support some weight immediately postoperatively. Most pet owners report their dog’s personality improves and that their dog seems to feel great. Gradual return to normal function is permitted between 8 to 12 weeks after surgery.

A total hip replacement is performed as an optimal means of relieving pain, improving hip function and allowing your dog to return to an active lifestyle. The arthritic joint is replaced with the implant resulting in elimination of the pain of bone rubbing on bone in the arthritic joint. The decreased range of motion associated with the arthritic joint is corrected allowing a good range of hip motion.

If your dog is over 12 months of age, weighs more than 45 pounds and has clinical signs associated with hip arthritis or dysplasia or has had a traumatic hip luxation, your pet is a potential candidate for a hip replacement. A thorough examination by your veterinarian to rule out other orthopedic or neurologic problems is always an important part of the preoperative examination.

The material contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a veterinarian.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the professional advice of your veterinarian.

< Go Back