Canine Hip Replacement
Chronic hip pain may prevent dogs from exercising and reduce their quality of life. Dogs receive hip replacement as a last resort when no other option relieves their pain.
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Cause
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As "ball and socket" joints, canine hips most commonly become chronically painful as a result of arthritis, which creates rough, bony edges on the joint that make it increasingly painful to move freely and rotate the ball within its socket.
Surgeon
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Your veterinarian will make a referral to an orthopedic surgeon if your dog needs hip replacement surgery.
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Operation
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The surgeon removes the femoral head--the ball at the top of the femur or thigh bone--and cements in its place an artificial head of stainless steel or titanium. The surgeon then carves away the acetabulum, or socket, part of the hip from the pelvis and cements a ceramic or plastic cup there. Once the cement hardens, the ball enters the socket, forming a new hip. An operation only targets one hip at a time; if necessary, the surgeon performs a second surgery two to three months later.
Post-Operative Care
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Typically, dogs go home after a few days with antibiotics and painkillers. A soft bandage around the lower hind legs for a few weeks allows the dog to walk, but prevents the legs from over-extending in any direction. Once the skin has healed, controlled swimming under the care of a hydrotherapist speeds recovery.
Complications
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Complications seen after hip replacement include infection, dislocation of the ball from the socket and loosening of the implants.
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