THR – Total Hip Replacement

the most common joint replacement procedure in both dogs and humans

Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which your dog’s painful and dysfunctional hip joint is replaced with prosthetic ball & socket joint, providing a functional pain-free joint and improved quality of life.

Symptoms:

Difficulty rising, stiffness, lameness and reluctance to exercise are signs often seen with hip pain. The THR is typically performed on dogs that experiences significantly decreased quality of life due to hip pain. Osteoarthritis secondary to hip dysplasia (abnormal growth of the hip) is the most common disease process treated with THR. THR can also be used to correct pain and abnormal hip function caused by fractures, dislocation or even failed surgical procedures.

Hip dysplasia is a congential, heritable growth abnormality, common in dogs that severely affects the quality of life. There are several treatment options for hip dysplasia, and the best option for your dog will be determined by age, severity of your dog’s condition and discomfort, your own expectation and ability to provide post-operative care, and financial concerns.

Surgical options available are:

• - Cemented Total Hip Replacement
• - Cementless Total Hip Replacement
• - Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)
• - Bioscaffold implantation
• - Joint capsule denervation
• - Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO)

In a normal hip joint l, the ball and socket are well seated providing a large congruent joint surface.
This provides smooth, full range of motion allowing your dog to rise, lie down, sit, walk, run and jump comfortably.

In a diseased or dysplastic hip, the ball and socket are irregular, resulting in the loss of the articular surface, bone on bone contact and joint capsule thickening.

These changes then result in inflammation, pain and decreased range of motion.

Procedure:

In a Total Hip Replacement, both the femur (ball) and the acetabulum (socket) of the hip joint are replaced with implants.

We typically use the Zurich Total Hip Replacement system, which is a cementless THR system. This surgery results in improved range of motion and pain free limb function during regular exercise and activity. In order for your dog to be a good THR candidate, s/he should be in good general health. Total hip replacement can be completed as early as 8 months of age and in dogs ranging from 10-250 lbs.

The goal of a THR is to return your pet to pain-free, normal hip function this result is achieved in greater than 95% of patients. Most dogs are more comfortable almost immediately after surgery and experience, improved quality of life, increase in muscle mass, and increased activity levels. If you feel your dog is a good candidate for a Total Hip Replacement, please do not hesitate to get your veterinarians opinion, or call our office to schedule an appointment for hip evaluation with Dr. Dew.

Aftercare:

Hospitalization:

- Your pet will need to stay until he is eating well and free of obvious abdominal discomfort. And can then be picked up during our regular business hours. There will be staff overnight to monitor your animal.

- When you get your pet home, place your pet in a cool/warm (season dependent), quiet and dark room. If you leave your pet alone, he/she will sleep and be comfortable. You can increase your pet’s anxiety by doting. Your pet will have adequate medication for pain so you do not need to worry about discomfort.

Medications:

- Give the anitbiotic as directed in your discharge letter

- Give Previcox as directed in your discharge letter

- If your pet is not already on a joint supplement, a sample of soft chews and chewable tablets were sent home with you. At the two week recheck exam let us know which form your pet liked the best, as we will want to continue GlycoFlex for joint health indefinitely.

Food & Water:

- When you get your pet home, offer him/her a small amount of water. If your pet drinks it and does not vomit, then offer twice the original amount.

- Two hours later if no vomiting has occurred, offer ¼ of the amount of food in a normal meal.

- If your pet eats and no vomiting occurs in a 2-hour time period, then you may resume normal feeding(s).

- Please call Dr. Dew’s or your veterinarian’s office if your pet does not drink within the first 6 hours of being home or if vomiting occurs.

Rechecks:

- Radiographs will need to be taken in 12 weeks to assess healing. There will be a charge for this appointment, as it is not included in the surgery price.

- If at any time during the healing process you have a question or concern, Dr. Dew will be happy to recheck your pet, just call for an appointment.

Exercise Restrictions:

- For the first 3 weeks, your pet should be confined to an area with a non-slip floor covering.

- During this time he should be limited to short leash walks in the yard to urinate and defecate.

- A harness has been provided for assistance when rising and posturing.

- Do not allow your pet to jump on/off furniture, decks or car seats.

- Do not allow your pet to ride or climb on car seats.

- After 3 weeks, you may gradually begin to increase the length of his leash walks, using the following exercise plan:

- The fourth week, you may take your pet on 2 daily walks of 1-2 blocks.

- After the 5th week, you can double the length of the walks each week.

- You wish to see slow steady progress.

- At the end of each week, limb use should be improved slightly.

Physical Therapy:

- Use harness to aid your pet in rising and walking across slippery surfaces for the next 3 weeks.

- The harness may remain in place 24/7.