Is your furry best friend experiencing unbearable hip pain? It's tough seeing them suffer and feel limited in their mobility. Thankfully, there's hope for restoring their quality of life through total hip replacement surgery. Our trusted vets at Grenada have the answers to these questions and more. Let us guide you through the ins and outs of hip replacement surgery for dogs, so you can make an informed decision and help your pup get back to their playful self.
Total Hip Replacement
Your furry friend's natural ball and socket hip joint may be replaced with something truly remarkable - a metal ball made of cobalt-chromium alloy, along with a dense plastic socket made of high molecular weight polyethylene plastic.
This amazing prosthetic joint is expertly crafted to fit your pup's unique body and restore their mobility. Some veterinary surgeons may even use "cementless" implants to secure the joint in place, though others prefer to use bone cement. Either way, the results are typically excellent, and your pup will be back to their playful self in no time!
Good Candidates For Total Hip Replacement in Dogs
Is your dog experiencing mobility issues and pain in their hip? If your pup is struggling to move around and play like they used to, total hip replacement surgery could be the answer. Look out for symptoms such as stiffness, trouble getting up from the floor, and reluctance to walk, run, or climb stairs. But, not every dog is a good candidate for this type of surgery.
To qualify for hip replacement surgery, your pup should be at least 9-12 months old, in overall good health, and not suffering from other bone or joint issues or nerve diseases. Additionally, dogs with arthritic hips but still with normal hip function are not usually good candidates. And, it's important that your dog's bones are large enough to accommodate the prosthetic hip components. Typically, dogs weighing more than 40 pounds can receive an artificial hip.
To determine if your dog is a good candidate for this surgery, a thorough examination by a Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon is necessary. Our trusted vets at Grenada can help assess your pup's condition and provide guidance on the best course of action. So, don't hesitate to reach out and help your furry friend get back to their playful self.
What To Expect From Your Dog's Hip Replacement Surgery
We understand that the thought of your furry friend undergoing surgery can be worrisome. While all surgeries carry risks, we take every measure to minimize these risks and ensure a successful outcome. Before your pup undergoes total hip replacement surgery, they will receive a thorough examination and blood tests to ensure they are healthy enough to undergo general anesthesia.
During the surgery, your pup will be under the care of a dedicated team of veterinary professionals who will closely monitor their condition and do all they can to set your furry friend on the path to recovery. In most cases, pups will spend 3-5 days in the hospital as they start to heal.
The results of total hip replacement surgery are typically excellent, with many owners reporting that their pups can do things they haven't been able to do since they were puppies. But, as with any surgery, complications can occur. Some of the most common complications include infection, loosening of the implants, hip dislocation, and nerve damage.
Fortunately, our team is well-equipped to handle these issues should they arise. Don't hesitate to reach out to our trusted team at Grenada for any questions or concerns you may have. We're here to help you and your furry friend through every step of the process.
Post-Operative Care For Dogs Having Total Hip Replacement Surgery
Your dog is on the road to recovery following total hip replacement surgery, and your vet team will provide detailed post-operative instructions to help make the process as smooth as possible. Following these instructions carefully is essential to prevent any complications that may arise. Pain management is a priority, and your vet will provide you with full instructions on how to administer any prescribed medications.
It's crucial to keep a close eye on your pup's incision site for any signs of infection, such as swelling or discharge. To prevent your furry friend from licking the incision site, they will need to wear a cone or an alternative to keep them from reaching the site.
Your dog's movements will be severely restricted for about a month, which means crate rest when you're not supervising your pup, and only short on-leash bathroom breaks outside. Try to avoid stairs and slippery floors, but if your pup must climb stairs, keep them on-leash to help them move slowly and carefully.
During the first two months following surgery, your pup won't be able to run, jump, or play, but you may be allowed to take your furry friend for short on-leash walks during the second month, depending on how they're healing.
Although these restrictions may seem tough, it's important to remember that following your vet's instructions and restricting your pup's activities for two months can help them heal well and return to a pain-free, active, and joyful life.
You'll return to your vet's office for a follow-up appointment and to have your pup's stitches or staples removed about 10-14 days after surgery. Our trusted team at Grenada is here to guide you through every step of the recovery process, so don't hesitate to reach out for support.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.