Dog Hip Surgery

"Dog hip surgery is sometimes necessary to help dogs with hip problems. Anatomically, the hips of dogs have two main parts. The rounded head of femur (Thigh Bone) fits in to acetabulum (cavity) of pelvis. Surgical options for hips usually are required when medications fail or are unable to treat certain conditions. In dogs, hip surgery may be indicated for hip dysplasia, trauma or accidental fractures. Hip dysplasia is the most common condition, for which hip surgery is indicated. Hip dysplasia is an abnormal growth or loosened “ball & socket joint” in hips.."

Anatomy of a dog’s hip:

The term “Hip” is used to mean joint. This joint is located both the lateral hind quarter of body and is also known as the “Os coxae”. The head of the femur, which is almost round and spherical, commonly called the “Ball”, fits in to a cavity of the pelvis called the “Acetabulum”. Acetabulum is a hollow, spherical cavity commonly called the “Socket”. This joint is generally called “Ball & Socket” joint.

Picture of Dog Hip Joint

Pre Surgical Requirements:

Before a dog is operated for any hip problem, there are some requirements to be fulfilled such as, weight reduction, sensitivity tests, monitored exercise a nutrition plan as prescribed by the operating veterinarian.

Types of Dog Hip Surgery:

Usually hip surgery in dog depends upon the condition of the canine hip area.

1. Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO) or Femora Head Arthroplasty is indicated in conditions where head of femur is dislocated in such a way that, no recovery is possible, like in an automobile accident. The head of femur if is broken off from shaft usually requires complete excision. Femoral head osteotomy is thus performed to excise the head of femur completely.
   
   
2. Canine Total Hip Replacement (THR) is usually indicated for those conditions, where osteotomy fails or either there remains no other option. Advanced dog hip dysplasia can only be treated by total hip replacement. This type of surgery is very effective, as it completely replaces a diseased, fractured or abnormal hip joint with a new, artificial joint. It is an expensive option of hip surgery, but is very effective. This surgical option is very best for dog breeds having weight over 40 pounds.
   
   
3. Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) is usually performed in young dogs. Severe arthritis, dislocation of joint & dysplasia are some indications for this hip surgical option. In this type of surgery, the hip joint is made free to articulate by cutting the pelvis at three different sites, thus it is termed as triple pelvic osteotomy.

Post Operative Management of Dog Hip Surgery:

Once hip surgery is performed, management of the condition and some medications are usually required.

Non Steroid Anti Inflammatory Drugs are usually administered to overcome pain, fever and inflammatory cell infiltration to enhance early recovery.

Antibiotics may be administered to prevent any post surgical infection.

Nutritional supplements are helpful in recovery, but it should be ensured that the supplement would not cause any weight gain. Low energy nutritional supplements with more vitamins & minerals especially calcium in it will help in rapid recovery.

One natural homeopathic supplement to research that is made specifically to support the muscles and joints in dogs is PetAlive Muscle & Joint Support Formula. It is formulated to treat symptoms, relieve pain and reduce the stiffness of arthritis, rheumatism and degenerative joint disease in dogs.

Prognosis of Hip Surgery:

Prognosis for canine hip surgery is highly variable. In most of cases, the prognosis is very good. In replacement surgical options, it is variable depending upon the surgical procedures, standards and replacement material.

In most cases, the rate of recovery is very high, but surely depends upon the condition of the dogs being operated.

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