Open post Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis Dog Surgery

Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) Dog Surgery

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When puppies, up to 16 weeks of age, supper from hip dysplasia, Juvenile Pubic Symphysiotomy (JPS) surgery is used to cause a change in the orientation of the hip socket with the growing pelvis in order to increase the contact surface area between the hip socket and the weight-bearing portion of the femoral head.

Who Can Benefit From a Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis? 

This procedure works best with puppies under 16 weeks of age with signs of hip laxity. It prevents or significantly reduces hip dysplasia development in puppies who have yet to undergo significant pelvic growth. Surgeons recommend spaying or neutering if JPS is performed in order to prevent unethical practices for breeding purposes later in life.

What is the Prognosis of a Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis?

Dogs between 16 – 20 weeks of age are significantly less likely to be successful because too much pelvic growth has occurred. A major problem with this approach is that the hip joints may appear normal radiographically in adulthood, but the dogs’ genetic code is, of course, unaltered. There is a very high chance of clinically significant hip dysplasia developing when this procedure is performed at a sufficiently young age.

Consult a Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon

Global Veterinary Specialists recognize that dogs and cats encounter orthopedic injuries, disabling difficulties, and diseases that can impact their quality of life and are committed to restoring pain-free mobility by treating hip dysplasia and other conditions like secondary osteoarthritis.

The board-certified veterinary surgeons at Global Veterinary Specialists have extensive veterinarian and surgical experience, so you can be assured that your cat or dog is receiving excellent care.

We are teachers, mentors, inventors, clinical researchers, and veterinary surgeons committed to achieving excellent results for every patient animal we see regardless of their age or breed. We invite you to contact GVS today to learn about the treatment options for hip dysplasia so that your pet can resume a happy, healthy, pain-free life.

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Hip Dysplasia and Its Causes

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There are many causes of hip dysplasia (HD), but one of the most common is abnormal laxity of the hip joint, in which the ball and socket do not fit properly. This leads to inflammation and pain and may eventually require hip replacement surgery.

In order to identify the exact abnormal hereditary code for the canine genome, extensive research will be conducted on the genome in order to uncover the cause of hip dysplasia that affects so many dogs and cats in the world. Hip dysplasia is a multifactorial condition, meaning many factors can contribute to its development. Genetics is believed to be the single most significant contributor.

Symptoms of Canine Hip Dysplasia

While some dogs can begin to show signs of HD as early as six months of age, most exhibit symptoms by one year of age. Before starting to progress gradually, symptoms are often subtle, although this may vary depending on the severity and any underlying conditions. Common symptoms your dog may exhibit include:

  • Limping
  • Decreased activity
  • A “bunny hop” gait
  • Difficulty rising after rest
  • Hesitance to jump or climb stairs
  • Premature tiring, especially during exercise
  • Weight shifting from one or both hind feet
  • Slightly arched back, resulting from weight shifting.

Over time, primarily in situations where hip dysplasia is left untreated, secondary osteoarthritis (OA) can develop. In secondary osteoarthritis, the inflamed tissues surrounding the abnormal joint may thicken with scar tissue, further impacting the dog’s quality of life. Early treatment by a veterinary surgeon is essential.

Schedule an Appointment with a Veterinary Surgeon

Global Veterinary Specialists recognize that dogs and cats encounter orthopedic injuries, disabling difficulties, and diseases that can impact their quality of life. Each GVS surgeon has more than twenty years of experience treating complex problems that may arise in your pets. Please contact us today to learn how we treat hip dysplasia and restore your pet’s quality of life.

Open post Is Your Pup Suffering From Hip Dysplasia? Learn More About TPO Surgery

Is Your Pup Suffering From Hip Dysplasia? Learn More About TPO Surgery

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With Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO), young dogs with hip dysplasia can improve their symptoms by improving the poorly shaped hips dealt out by nature. The results can be life-changing and amazing for your pup. However, not all dogs are able to handle TPO surgery and ultimately are not good candidates. Read below to learn the important facts about TPO surgery and talk with your veterinary specialist for detailed information. 

TPO Surgery 101

Triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO), and more recently double pelvic osteotomy (DPO) is a surgical option for young dogs with hip dysplasia and with NO hip OA. This procedure is for young dogs only – usually less than 6 months of age. Radiographs at an early age are necessary to preemptively determine if the hips are developing normally, or if hip laxity is present, even though no symptoms are present. 

The object of the TPO and DPO procedures is the same which is to “capture” the femoral head in the socket thereby reducing the laxity present. This is done by cutting the pelvic bones in 3 or 2 places, rotating the acetabulum, and stabilizing the pelvis in the new position with a metal bone plate and screws. 

What are the Advantages of TPO Surgery?

As a result of TPO surgery, the hip moves smoothly and the bumps and grinds associated with arthritis are reduced. TPO, therefore, protects the long-term health of the hips and plays an important preventative role. Performing surgery when the bones are still growing reduces the forces on young bones and reduces the likelihood of misshapen bones.

Almost all dogs who have TPO surgery for suspected hip dysplasia have normal active lives (although they should not be bred from as this is a hereditary condition that can be passed onto the next generation.)

TPO surgery is performed much less frequently currently compared to 10-20 years ago. Several reasons for this include:

  • Early diagnosis before symptoms are present is imperative
  • Long-term follow-up results are less favorable than originally thought to be
  • The arthroscopic examination has become the standard to critically evaluate the joint before surgery
  • Hip replacement surgery has been shown to be acceptable practice in dogs less than 1 year of age and as young as 6-8 months of age
  • Arthritis does not develop following hip replacement surgery as it can following TPO surgery
  • Hip replacement implants are not reported to wear out, i.e. they last for life
  • Recovery after hip replacement is quicker with comfort following quickly

Consult a Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon

Global Veterinary Specialists recognize that dogs and cats encounter orthopedic injuries, disabling difficulties, and diseases that can impact their quality of life and are committed to restoring pain-free mobility by treating hip dysplasia and other conditions like secondary osteoarthritis.

We invite you to contact GVS today to learn about the treatment options for hip dysplasia so that your pet can resume a happy, healthy, pain-free life.

Open post Hip Dysplasia - is my pet in pain?

Hip Dysplasia: Is My Pet in Pain?

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Hip dysplasia (HD) is abnormal joint laxity (looseness) of the hip joint. Hip dysplasia is a common cause of hind limb lameness. At the beginning of this disease, most dogs and cats may not typically show signs of pain; but keep an eye out for anything unusual as this can cause deterioration of their joints if left untreated for a long enough amount of time. 

What Are the Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia? 

Most dogs with HD have their first symptoms by the time they hit one years old – some as early as six months. Symptoms are often subtle at first, with no obvious limp or holding the leg up off the ground. Common observations include:

  • “Bunny Hop” gait with both hind feet advancing at the same time instead of striding
  • Hesitance to jump or go up a flight of stairs
  • Premature tiring during exercise
  • Content to “observe” rather than “participate” in vigorous playtime
  • Mild limp when rising after rest
  • Weight shifting off of one or both hind feet while standing to eating or drinking
  • Slightly arched back as a result of weight shifting to the front legs
  • Apathetic about exercise and playtime.

How Can Hip Dysplasia Be Managed?

Radiographs are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of Hip Dysplasia. Before acquiring radiographs, the patient history, physical examination, and orthopedic examination are completed to determine if other causes of hind limb lameness are present. Your dog or cat will undergo a comprehensive examination process.

Conservative/medical management may be a viable and effective treatment option for some dogs with mild hip dysplasia. This option is usually attempted when the diagnosis of mild hip dysplasia and/or osteoarthritis is first made. A detailed discussion of medical management/pain control is extensive. Pain management is NOT the treatment of choice for dogs or cats with chronic, advanced, moderate, severe, or bilateral hip dysplasia and/or osteoarthritis.

Schedule a Veterinary Appointment Today

Dr. William Liska has performed over 2,000 joint replacement procedures. He has been the leader in the numbers of received THR referrals and procedures performed in the State of Texas for many years, and is among the leaders in the country and internationally. He is certified by the instrumentation and implant manufacturer (BioMedtrix LLC, Whippany, NJ) in all hip and knee replacement procedures currently available.

Global Veterinary Specialists recognizes that dogs and cats encounter orthopedic injuries, disabling difficulties, and diseases that can affect their life. Each GVS surgeon has more than twenty years of experience handling the most complex problems that may arise in your felines and canines. We are teachers, mentors, inventors, clinical researchers, and surgeons driven to achieve excellence for every animal. Contact us today to learn how we help restore your four-legged family member’s quality of life.

Open post When Should I Look Into Total Hip Replacement For My Dog or Cat

When Should I Look Into Total Hip Replacement For My Dog or Cat?

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If you have any concerns about your companion having hip problems; ask a veterinary surgeon when you should start considering Total Hip Replacement (THR)surgery for your fur baby, the sooner you get started – the better! 

Hip dysplasia is a condition that is characterized by abnormal joint laxity in which the head of the femur does not fit tightly within the acetabulum – often present with hind limb lameness and pain. These and other common symptoms that may show up have the ability to restrict your pet’s ability to move easily, reducing their quality of life over time. 

Of course, the timing of surgical intervention is subjective and case by case scenario; but as a rule of thumb, THR should be strongly considered once medications are required to start controlling pain for a long period of time, about a month or more. 

THR is the optimum way to restore a pain free hip joint with normal biomechanical function for the life of your dog or cat. After recovery, your dog can resume a healthy and happy life, of course, this recovery time can depend on the severity of the condition and your pet’s age. 

Description of a Total Hip Replacement

In a Total Hip Replacement procedure, a veterinary orthopedic surgeon replaces the arthritic or traumatized hip joint with prosthetic components; the femoral stem, femoral head, and acetabulum cup. The implants are made of either titanium or cobalt-chrome stainless steel and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

The veterinary surgeon will determine the appropriate method, cemented or cementless, for your companion during the examination. A cemented implant uses bone cement and the on-growth of bone, whereas, cementless technology utilizes precise initial implantation and in-growth of bone.

The procedure is highly successful for both dogs and cats between 3.5 and 180 pounds and any age once skeletal maturity is reached. The latter typically occurs between nine and ten months of age. It is an excellent way to re-establish normal function for dogs and cats with hip dysplasia and other forms of advanced osteoarthritis.

Schedule a Veterinary Appointment Today

Global Veterinary Specialists recognizes that dogs and cats encounter orthopedic injuries, disabling difficulties, and diseases that can affect their life. Each GVS surgeon has more than twenty years of experience handling the most complex problems that may arise in your felines and canines. We are teachers, mentors, inventors, clinical researchers, and surgeons driven to achieve excellence for every animal. Contact us today to learn how we help restore your four-legged family member’s quality of life.

Open post Helpful Tips On How To Care For Your Pet After Hip Surgery

Helpful Tips On How To Care For Your Pet After Hip Surgery

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Dogs and Cats with moderate to severe Hip Dysplasia need hip surgery in order to help restore their mobility. In these cases, a Total Hip Replacement (THR) is an effective choice; this surgery may also be considered an option when the cost of pain management has become restrictive. 

The procedure entails removing the femoral stem, femoral head, and acetabulum. After removal, they are replaced with prosthetic components that are composed of either titanium or cobalt-chrome stainless steel and ultra-high molecular weight polyurethane.

If your pet is between 3.5 and 180 pounds, then THR is an optimal treatment option, as long as they have reached skeletal maturity. Surgeries like this allow your dog or cat to resume a healthy, happy, and normal life.

Recovery and Healing

One of the most vital parts you play as the parent of a pet who has just gone through surgery is their aftercare. Ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety are of utmost importance during recovery time; during this time, choose a space within your home that has exceptional traction for your pet to recuperate safely. 

When taking your pet outdoors, they must be on a leash for 5-6 weeks, a walking assist sling will be provided for you. Initially, walking should be kept to a minimum and progressively stretch out into longer periods of walking to gently exercise their body. 

During the first few weeks of recovery, make sure your pet is not running, playing, jumping around or climbing up and down stairs. A follow-up appointment with x-rays will be scheduled following this recuperative period, as soon as possible. A customized rehabilitation program, which includes two to three daily walks, will then begin. That program is specially developed for each dog with time, duration, and distance parameters established for each day.

Your dog is usually allowed to resume regular activity within thirty days after the follow-up radiographs. That is within about ten weeks post-surgery.

For more information on what you can expect following hip surgery for dogs, please click here.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Global Veterinary Specialists recognize that dogs and cats encounter orthopedic injuries, disabling difficulties, and diseases that can affect their lives.

Each GVS surgeon has more than twenty years’ experience handling the most complex problems that may arise in your pets. We are teachers, mentors, inventors, clinical researchers, and surgeons driven to achieve excellence for every animal.

Please contact us today to learn how we can help restore your four-legged family member’s quality of life.

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Hip Dysplasia Treatment in Dogs

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One of the most common causes of hind limb lameness within varying dog breeds and sizes is hip dysplasia. When the ball does not fit tightly inside its socket, this condition occurs; causing abnormal joint laxity or looseness that can worsen over time without proper treatment. If hip dysplasia is left untreated, joint damage and inflammation are common. The best course of action in any case is to contact a veterinary surgeon at the first signs of hip dysplasia – since treatment options will differ depending on the severity, breed, size and age of your dog. 

Treatment Options

Conservative Management

Lifestyle modifications and anti-inflammatory medications are the few conservative management options for treating hip dysplasia symptoms. When mild hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis is first made, this is typically an option that is attempted. Conservative management may slow down the progress of the condition but ultimately will not cure it and if considered for long-term management, it can get costly. If the disorder is advanced or bilateral, surgical intervention should be considered for alternate options.

Surgical Intervention

If your dog is found to be an excellent candidate for surgery, then Total Hip Replacement (THR) may be a viable option. During a THR surgery, the damaged head of the femur and acetabulum are both replaced with an artificially made one, called a prosthesis. THR has been a highly successful surgery for canines and felines with hip dysplasia and helps re-establish normal/pain-free function. 

Schedule an Appointment Today

Global Veterinary Specialists recognize that dogs and cats encounter orthopedic injuries, disabling difficulties, and diseases that can affect their quality of life. Each GVS veterinary surgeon has more than twenty years of experience dealing with the most complex problems that arise. We are teachers, mentors, inventors, clinical researchers, and surgeons driven to achieve excellence for every animal. Contact us today to learn how we can help restore your four-legged family member’s quality of life.

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Canine Hip Dysplasia Signs, Diagnosis, & Treatment

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With the arrival of spring, you may be taking more adventures with your dog, which also highlights the importance of looking for signs of canine hip dysplasia. This condition is characterized by an abnormal laxity of the hip joint in which the ball and socket do not fit properly, causing them to rub together. That results in a painful joint for your pet and, depending on the severity, can affect their quality of life. The first step toward restoring a pain-free joint is to consult a veterinary specialist.

Know the Signs

Dogs with hip dysplasia often begin showing symptoms by one year – some as early as six months – although they may be subtle at the onset. While there may not be any noticeable limp or holding of the leg up off the ground, at least at first, common symptoms include:

  • Weight shifting
  • Bunny hop gait
  • Premature tiring during exercise
  • Mild limp when rising after rest
  • Hesitance to jump or climb stairs
  • Noticeably uninterested in exercising or playing
  • Content to observe rather than participate in vigorous playtime
  • Slightly arched back because of weight shifting to the front legs while standing

Diagnosing Canine Hip Dysplasia

A veterinary specialist will perform a comprehensive physical examination after your dog’s medical history has been obtained. First, the specialist will observe your pet’s posture and ambulation, then manipulate all four limbs to test the looseness of the joint and check the range of motion, with the hip joint often examined last.

However, radiographs are needed to confirm the diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia. The specialist will obtain two views, a ventral-dorsal and lateral radiograph of the pelvis. 

Whether mild, moderate, or severe, the severity of the laxity and arthritis must be decided. Combining clinical and radiographic findings is essential when making treatment recommendations best for the animal’s quality of life.

Depending on the condition’s degree, several treatment options ranging from lifestyle modifications to surgical intervention may be considered. For example, dogs with moderate to severe HD are often best treated by undergoing a total hip replacement (THR).

A THR procedure involves surgically replacing the affected joint with titanium or cobalt-chrome stainless steel and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene implants divided into cemented versus cementless prostheses. This procedure has been highly successful for dogs and cats at reestablishing normal function and a pain-free joint.

Schedule an Appointment with a Veterinary Specialist

Global Veterinary Specialists is staffed by an exceptional team of highly qualified board-certified veterinary surgeons with experience performing total hip replacement (THR) procedures. All the surgeons are dedicated to using their expertise to improve patient care and expand the knowledge of veterinary joint replacement surgery worldwide. Create a life without limitations for your pet by contacting us today to learn more about the available treatment options.

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What to Expect Before & After Canine THR Surgery

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The objective of canine total hip replacement (THR) is to establish a pain-free joint with normal biomechanical function in medium, large, and giant breed dogs. When highly qualified surgeons perform this procedure, all potential risks are minimized, ensuring your pet’s complete recovery. To determine if your pet is a suitable candidate for total hip replacement, please discuss their specific problem and all available options with your veterinarian.

Global Veterinary Specialists is staffed by an exceptional team of highly qualified board-certified veterinary surgeons with extensive experience performing total hip replacement (THR) procedures. All the surgeons are dedicated to using their expertise to improve patient care and expand the knowledge of veterinary joint replacement surgery worldwide. Create a life without limitations for your pet by contacting us today to learn more about the available treatment options.

What Happens Before Surgery?

After you’ve scheduled surgery, presurgical planning will be completed to determine implant sizes using digital radiography and rule out infections through lab work. The latter is ideal for ensuring there are no underlying problems that could complicate surgery, prolong recovery, or impact a successful THR outcome. Preoperative bathing, care, and limitation instructions are also provided during this appointment.

On the day of surgery – usually in the early morning – your dog will be admitted to the surgical facility. This facility adheres to the same standards established for human operating rooms, containing various sterilized instruments to be used by the surgical team, most notably the board-certified veterinary surgeon throughout the procedure.

During the THR procedure, a board-certified veterinary surgeon will remove the  acetabulum, femoral stem, and femoral head. Those three components will be replaced with artificial ones that are constructed of titanium and cobalt chrome. These are expected to last for the life of the patient, regardless of at what age they receive the implants. Whether cemented or cementless, the implants help to reduce pain and improve function.

Cementless vs. Cemented

Also called press-fit, cementless implants manufactured by BioMedtrix are referred to as a biological fixation (BFX) system. These implants are preferred for medium and large dogs because they eliminate the need for bone cement; therefore, they substantially upgrade from previous techniques. In addition, these offer immediate stabilization, which increasingly becomes more stable as the bone grows into the implant, a process called osteointegration during the first few weeks following surgery.

Also manufactured by BioMedtrix, cemented implants are the cement fixation (CFX) system used in cats and dogs, usually those weighing less than 25 pounds.

The availability of both cementless and cemented implants provides your board-certified veterinary surgeon with excellent versatility to customize them to the unique needs of each companion animal. The surgeons at Global Veterinary Specialists have experience using both techniques, which is advantageous since it allows for hybrid implementation. Using this technology, cemented and cementless implants can be used on either the femoral stem or cup, depending on factors such as the animal’s size and condition’s severity. The surgeon will discuss this with you before surgery.

What to Expect After Surgery?

Skilled veterinarian technicians provide twenty-four-hour patient care during the mandatory postoperative hospitalization period. These technicians are well informed about the specific needs of each animal undergoing a total hip replacement procedure.

Once at home, your pet must be confined to an area with limited space and good traction and on a leash when outdoors for about five to six weeks following surgery. They should not be allowed to run, jump, play, or climb during recuperation. A walking assist sling helps keep control of dogs during the postoperative period.

Shortly after that, follow-up radiographs are evaluated and a rehabilitation program ordered, assuming the incision has healed. The rehabilitation program is specifically designed for each dog, with time, duration, and distance parameters established each day.

Canine total hip replacement is the gold-standard surgical treatment for dogs with moderate to severe hip dysplasia. This means that it is the most effective, permanent and successful treatment available that restores a healthy and happy life for the dog. In addition, THR is not limited to dogs, as it has been successfully performed on cats.

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Protect Your Pets This Holiday Season

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With the holiday season in full swing, many people may be scrambling to finalize plans for the weekend ahead while double-checking their various lists, including the following list of veterinarian-provided tips for protecting your pets during the holiday season.

Beware of Holiday Foods

As you prepare your holiday feasts and sweets, remember not to share any with your pet, as the American Veterinary Association (AVMA) says many can be hazardous for their health. The AVMA adds that the most dangerous foods are chocolates, sweets, baked goods, turkey, table scraps, and yeast dough. Rather than risk an emergency trip to their veterinarian, give them treats made explicitly for them, whether store-bought or homemade. In addition, because accidents happen, it is essential to have the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline number – 888-426-4435 – readily available.

Seat Belts During Travels Please

AAA estimates that more than 100 million people will travel by car. Another nine million will choose other forms of transportation as they depart for holiday destinations between December 23 and January 2. Those planning to hit the road with their pets should take specific precautions to keep them safe yet comfortable, such as adequately restraining them in a carrier or with a safety harness, which also helps prevent distractions. Whichever you choose, the American Veterinary Association (AVMA) recommends placing your pet in an area free of airbags.

Comfort Them on New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve brims with celebrations, often with fireworks and noisemakers as the clock strikes midnight, which is particularly frightening for your pets. The best way to comfort them is to find a room in your home that is preferably free of windows, such as a bathroom, where you can set them up with their bed, water, food, and favorite toys. You may also want to consider using a device that creates white noises to soothe them. Finally, if you plan on ringing in the New Year at home, consider sitting with them and comforting them to reduce stress.

Consult Your Veterinarian Specialist Today

As temperatures drop this winter, the symptoms of canine hip dysplasia (HD) may become more pronounced, potentially impacting your pet’s holiday spirit. In addition, suppose more conservative treatment options are no longer effective at minimizing your pet’s discomfort, regardless of the season. In that case, you may want to consider speaking with your veterinarian specialist about a total hip replacement (THR).

Global Veterinary Specialists recognize that dogs and cats encounter orthopedic injuries, disabling difficulties, and diseases impacting their quality of life. As such, our board-certified veterinary surgeons are committed to restoring pain-free mobility by treating hip dysplasia and other conditions, such as secondary osteoarthritis, to enable your pet to go on to live a healthy and happier life.

The board-certified veterinary surgeons at Global Veterinary Specialists have extensive veterinarian and surgical experience, so you can be assured that your pet is receiving compassionate and comprehensive care for whichever orthopedic condition ails them. Create a life without limitations for your pet by contacting Global Veterinary Specialists today to learn more about the available treatment options for hip dysplasia.

From the GVS family to yours, we hope you and your pets have a happy and safe holiday season!

Resources:

“Animal Poison Control.” The ASPCA.

Edmonds, Ellen. “’ Tis the Season: More than 109 Million Americans to Travel for the Holidays.” AAA Newsroom, December 14, 2021.

“Winter holiday pet safety.” American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

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