FHO or THR for my dog's bad hip?

until a couple of months ago I noticed he wasn't putting weight on the leg so got more xrays and was referred back to the same orthopedist. 

non-weight-bearing isn't really a symptom of hip dysplasia; and just because the x-rays show the hip is "terrible" doesn't actually mean the dog is in any pain. I have nothing against surgery, but if a dog is running, jumping, and seems happy I would really question the recommendation for surgery, especially without a trial of joint supplements/ physical therapy/ reducing body weight first (we're talking very thin, not just-not-fat).. Symptoms of hip dysplasia: the dog uses both hind legs at once while running (bunny hop). The dog has a weird "sway" to the walk when observed from behind. Visible wasting of muscles on the affected leg or possible both legs. Difficulty jumping up on things. Difficulty getting up and down from a sit or down. Crooked sits.

I'd be particularly wary of this particular surgeon for performing a TPLO on a dog to "prevent" an ACL tear. That sounds really suspicious to me, it is not something that is usually done.

As to joint supplements- they do work for many people and dogs, despite the lack of scientific evidence. They don't "block pain" they actually help keep the joints in good repair thus no pain is present.

Hello mudpuppy,

I've seen those hip dysplasia symptoms in dogs at the dog park.  Marlin certainly isn't that bad.  He still runs like a greyhound and can jump up into the car and on the bed.  Right now I've got him on Sea Pet Fish Oil and 1500 gluc,1200 chond per day and he's at a good weight (58 lbs down from 64).  It seems to be working for him.

My sister used a vet outside Denver who pretty much tries everything other than surgery first.  I called him and of course the vet tech I talked to asked if there was any way I could Marlin to Colorado, but when I told her the oprthopedist here said it was bone on bone she said surgery was probably the best thing.  I may be going to Denver in the next few months.  I'm not feeling too rushed since he doesn't seem to be in much pain.

Thanks for the input!

MMEK's Mom

My sister used a vet outside Denver who pretty much tries everything other than surgery first.  I called him and of course the vet tech I talked to asked if there was any way I could Marlin to Colorado, but when I told her the oprthopedist here said it was bone on bone she said surgery was probably the best thing.  I may be going to Denver in the next few months.  I'm not feeling too rushed since he doesn't seem to be in much pain.

Thanks for the input!

I only agree with the idea of doing EVERYTHING but surgery to a point. It used to be a MUST because implants didn't last very long. That is no longer true and orthopedic surgery is one of most life-chaning surgeries a dog (or human) can have now.

I do think, though, that Marlin requires some extra caution given that he has a TPLO already and he could end up having devices in one leg.

Jake had FHO 3 weeks ago . We chose that over THR because he is 14 lbs and an 8 month old puppy. To do a THR the vet recommended he be a year old, which would have left no muscle in his leg. Also, his tiny limbs are pretty delicate to be drilling and putting steel posts into. With all of the research I've done, I would say THR would be a better route for your dog. FHO is OK for small dogs, but larger, older dogs do well and recover quicker with FHR. So far, Jake is recovering well. We are encouraging moderate play on carpets and grass and we're trying to build up muscle with swimming. If your dog is not using the leg - don''t wait too long to make a decision. The longer your dog doesn't use the leg, the more muscle lost. We regret taking so long for a correct diagnosis. Recovery to full use wil be long.

 HI--

 I have a 15 year old dog that has dislocated his hip twice in the past 18 months.  The vet can no longer reinsert the hip and is recommended Femural head and neck surgery.  Is my dog too old for this?  What is recovery like?

The other options he gave me were amputation and euthanization.  I do not want him to suffer - he is in pain right now - but I also want to do right by him.  He only weighs about 35 pounds and was a rescue dog 14 years ago. Thanks!

I have no advice but wanted to say that I'm sorry you're dealing with this and I hope you can get some answers from someone who has some experience with this problem.  Has he been seen by an ortho specialist?  

Holy cow. I'm sorry your little guy. Recovery for FHO surgery CAN be difficult. Of course the poster above you has a puppy and FHO is so much easier on a puppy.

There's a yahoo group dedicated to hip issues and surgeries. You might find it very beneficial.

 http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/CanineHD/