Category: Treatment Options

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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.

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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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Ask the Veterinary Surgeon: What is Secondary Osteoarthritis?

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Osteoarthritis (OA), also referred to as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), is defined as the progressive deterioration of the cartilage surrounding the joints. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons characterizes it as a loss of joint cartilage, thickening of the joint capsule, and the development of bone spurs (osteophytes). That can result in inflammation, discomfort, and decreased mobility. 

Unfortunately, in the United States, about 20% of dogs over one year of age have been diagnosed with OA. If you think your dog is suffering from osteoarthritis, whether primary or secondary, you should schedule an appointment with a veterinary surgeon like Global Veterinary Specialists’ Dr. William Liska.

Contributing factors include age, breed, exercise, and weight. In terms of weight, obesity is most concerning, as increased body weight adds more stress to the joints. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, a dog is considered overweight when they are ten to 20 percent heavier than their ideal weight, which may predispose them to a significant number of conditions like osteoarthritis (McReynolds, 2020).

As with any joint problem, the body’s response attempts to stabilize laxity if it is present. When hip dysplasia is present, the degree of laxity varies from one dog to another, and there are times when one side is affected more than the other side. The laxity eventually results in secondary osteoarthritis (OA) at some point in life. Other causes include osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), a dislocated patella, elbow dysplasia, and cranial cruciate ligament disease.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Your dog cannot communicate their feelings of discomfort and may even try to mask them, making it challenging to identify the symptoms of hip dysplasia and, ultimately, secondary osteoarthritis. It is often not until the orthopedic disease has progressed that pet owners report noticeable differences in their dog’s activity, behavior, or gait. A dog diagnosed with hip dysplasia, regardless of the severity, should be continuously monitored for the following common symptoms:

  • Stiffness
  • Lameness
  • Behavioral changes
  • Reluctance to play
  • Decreasing appetite
  • Decrease in overall activity
  • Premature tiring during exercise
  • Changes in gait such as “bunny hopping”
  • Inability to climb stairs or jump while playing
  • Avoidance of being pet since it may cause pain

In addition, it is also possible for younger dogs to temporarily improve, particularly with the changing of the seasons. That is because autumn and winter’s cooler temperatures can cause symptoms to appear more pronounced, whereas they may be more subtle during spring and summer’s warmer weather. Essentially, your dog may be able to cope better with the pain and discomfort at specific intervals, but the symptoms will likely present themselves again over time.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A veterinary surgeon can diagnose secondary osteoarthritis using the same diagnostic methods for hip dysplasia during a comprehensive orthopedic examination. The surgeon will ask questions about your dog’s diet, exercise, and genetics. They will also ask about their medical history before performing a thorough physical and orthopedic examination, including palpation of all four limbs.

Radiographic images will then be taken to confirm the diagnosis of hip dysplasia and, depending on the condition’s severity, secondary osteoarthritis. Two views, a ventral-dorsal and lateral radiograph are generally sufficient for diagnostic purposes.

If hip dysplasia and secondary OA are the diagnoses, and the dog’s quality of life is impaired, the veterinary surgeon may recommend a total hip replacement (THR). This surgical procedure replaces the abnormal joint with a prosthesis, allowing the dog or cat to resume normal, pain-free mobility. It is the most cost-effective solution in animals with moderate to severe HD and secondary OA. 

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.

Resources:

Anderson, Katharine L et al. “Risk Factors for Canine Osteoarthritis and Its Predisposing Arthropathies: A Systematic Review.” Frontiers in veterinary science vol. 7 220. 28 Apr. 2020, doi:10.3389/fvets.2020.00220

McReynolds, Tony. “Pet obesity is an epidemic.” American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). 6 Feb. 2020.

“Osteoarthritis in Dogs.” American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). N.d.

Parnell. “Osteoarthritis in Dogs – Signs and Treatment.” American Kennel Club (AKC). 17 Feb. 2021.

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Will My Pet Need a Total Hip Replacement?

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Treatment for hip dysplasia depends on the condition’s severity and your pet’s overall health. Typically, conservative treatment options such as pain management and exercise modifications are attempted before a board-certified veterinary surgeon will recommend a total hip replacement (THR), particularly for dogs and cats with mild HD whose symptoms have not progressed to the extent they impact quality of life.

A common concern with conservative options is the cost of pain management. The cost of administering non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opiate-derivates, or both should be considered as they can accumulate rapidly with long-term use. Over time, these costs often far exceed the price of surgical intervention, which restores a pain-free joint rather than merely masks the symptoms.

Symptoms include but may not be limited to weight shifting, bunny hop gait, premature tiring during exercise, difficulty standing or sitting, mild limp when rising after rest, and hesitance to jump or climb stairs. Your pet may also appear uninterested in doing the activities they once loved.

Animals who present with moderate or severe cases, or with arthritis secondary to hip dysplasia, will likely require surgical intervention once skeletal maturity has been reached. Additional indications for surgery include hip luxation, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and specific hip fractures. A total hip replacement (THR) is an effective treatment option as it allows your pet to go on to live an healthy and happy life.

A Closer Look at Total Hip Replacement Surgery

In a total hip replacement (THR), a board-certified veterinary surgeon replaces the femoral head (ball), femoral stem, and acetabulum (socket) with prosthetic components manufactured using the exact strict THR specifications as those made for humans. The wear properties are superb for cats and dogs that distribute weight on all four legs, and its durability is good for the lifetime of your pet.

The femoral stem and metal shell of the cup are composed of titanium with a porous surface that is 65 percent space, enabling bone growth – a process called osseointegration, and 35 percent metal. Titanium is tolerated well by the body and has a desirable modulus of elasticity, yield strength, fatigue strength, mass density, and ultimate strength for indefinite durability. It also offers excellent corrosion resistance.

The femoral head, also known as the “ball,” is made of cobalt chrome and has a polished surface in the sub-micron range to minimize long-term wear. The most prominent head is made up of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. That is a highly durable material that contacts the head, allowing for an unhindered range of motion of the joint during everyday activities like walking or running.

Each component of the prosthetic device is available in various sizes that can be mixed and matched to custom fit each patient animal. They are further divided into cemented and cementless, determined during a comprehensive examination with a veterinary specialist, and dependent on several factors, including the severity of the condition and duration of their arthritis secondary to hip dysplasia.

Schedule a Veterinary Specialist Appointment Today

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. Each board-certified veterinary surgeon has more than twenty years of veterinarian and surgical experience, so you can be assured your pet is in the best of hands.

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 us today to learn about the various options for correcting hip dysplasia and how we can help restore your pet’s quality of life.

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What is a Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon?

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Treating moderate to severe hip dysplasia – a painful condition characterized by abnormal joint laxity of the hip joint – surgically is best managed by a board-certified veterinary surgeon like Global Veterinary Specialists founder Dr. William Liska.

A board-certified veterinary surgeon has completed additional years of training, successfully meeting the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) specific requirements, performed published research, and passed a rigorous examination.

These surgeons are dedicated to identifying the best plan for treating hip dysplasia in your dog or cat. There are several options, with total hip replacement (THR) considered the gold-standard treatment option, as it allows dogs and cats to resume a happy and healthy life.

Meet the Veterinary Surgeon

Dr. William Liska, DVM, DACVS, received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University in 1973. He completed both an internship and surgical residency at The Animal Medical Center in New York in 1973 and, in 1980, became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS).

After his residency, he started in practice from 1976 until 1988. He established one of the largest multi-disciplinary veterinary specialist hospitals, accepting patients by veterinarian referral only, before founding Global Veterinary Specialists in 2014.

Dr. Liska has received many awards throughout his career, including Practitioner of the Year in 1999 and Specialty Practitioner of the Year in 2009 from the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. In addition, in recognition of his canine and feline hip and knee replacement studies, Dr. Liska was awarded the American Veterinary Medical Association Practitioner Research Award in 2009.

In addition, he has performed more than 2,000 joint replacement procedures. He is among the leading veterinary surgeons for the number of THR referrals received and surgeries completed locally and internationally. Dr. Liska is also certified by the instrumentation and implant manufacturer BioMedtrix LLC, Whippany, New Jersey.

Today, Dr. Liska dedicates his career to Global Veterinary Specialists (GVS), offering educational and surgical services focused on joint replacement surgery and orthopedics for dogs and cats.

Schedule a GVS Appointment Today

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 mobility by treating hip dysplasia and other conditions.

We are teachers, mentors, inventors, clinical researchers, and veterinary surgeons committed to achieving excellent results for every animal we see regardless of age or breed. We invite you to contact us today to learn about the various options for correcting hip dysplasia and how we can help restore your pet’s quality of life.

Resources:

“Honored Mentor: William D. Liska, DVM, DACVS.” American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS).

“What is a Veterinary Surgeon?” American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS).

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Treatment Options for Canine Hip Dysplasia

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There are several treatment options for canine hip dysplasia, both non-surgical and surgical, depending on the condition’s severity and your dog’s health. Conservative medical management and surgery, with total hip replacement (THR) providing the most effective relief, are two standard treatment options. Combining these options with exercise restrictions, physical therapy, and other lifestyle modifications are often practicable and recommended by a veterinarian surgeon.

Here is a closer look at the best non-surgical and surgical treatment options for canine hip dysplasia.

Conservative Medical Management

Conservative medical management may be a viable treatment option for mild cases of canine hip dysplasia. This option typically includes anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid therapy, or a combination of both. It is vital to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of medical management to control pain with the veterinarian.

It is common to experience disappointment and frustration when chronic, advanced, severe, or bilateral canine hip dysplasia is present. Conservative medical management is not the most appropriate treatment option for dogs or cats in the presence of any of these conditions or secondary osteoarthritis.

One of the biggest concerns associated with this non-surgical approach is the potential for costs to accumulate rapidly with the long-term use of inflammation management products and services that temporarily mask severe symptoms. Under these circumstances, it is best to consider a more permanent solution, total hip replacement.

Total Hip Replacement (THR)

The “gold standard” surgical treatment for moderate to severe canine hip dysplasia is a total hip replacement (THR). The veterinarian surgeon replaces the damaged hip joint – the femoral stem, femoral head, and acetabulum – with a prosthesis composed of either titanium or cobalt-chrome stainless steel and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

The procedure is designed to return normal hip function, allowing your dog to live a pain-free, healthy life without concern of the artificial joint wearing out. A veterinarian surgeon can perform THR procedures on dogs, even cats, once skeletal maturity has been reached. That is usually about nine to ten months of age.

The procedure’s timing is made on an individual basis and only after a comprehensive orthopedic exam, along with radiographic images, has been completed. Surgery may be indicated if your dog exhibits significant symptoms, requiring chronic medication management, assuming the patient is in good health.

Schedule an Appointment with a Veterinarian 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 mobility by treating hip dysplasia and other conditions. Each GVS surgeon has more than twenty years of veterinary and pet surgery experience.

We are teachers, mentors, inventors, clinical researchers, and veterinary surgeons committed to achieving excellent results for every animal we see regardless of age or breed. We invite you to contact us today to learn about the various options for correcting hip dysplasia and how we can help restore your pet’s quality of life.

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An Overview of Canine Hip Replacement

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The most common indications for canine total hip replacement surgery include but are not limited to hip dysplasia, secondary arthritis, hip luxation, femoral head/neck fractures, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head (Legg-Perthes disease). THR is commonly performed once skeletal maturity has been reached, although, under some circumstances, it may be performed before this time.

While THR is generally recommended after all conservative options have been considered, it is the only treatment option that restores full mobility, allowing the canine to resume a happy and healthy life. Considered the gold standard surgical procedure, it involves replacing the damaged hip joint with a prosthetic ball and joint, restoring full mobility, and preventing the reoccurrence of painful conditions like hip dysplasia.

BioMedtrix offers cemented and cementless implants for dogs, even cats, ranging from three-and-a-half to 180 pounds. Cemented implants use bone cement and on-growth of bone. In contrast, cementless or press-fit technology utilizes precise implementation and osteointegration of bone. The appropriate method for your pet is determined during examination and radiography.

The Surgical Team

Global Veterinary Specialists comprises an exceptional team of board-certified veterinary surgeons with extensive total hip replacement surgery experience. They have performed more than 1,700 procedures on dogs and cats. All GVS surgeons are dedicated to using their expertise to improve the level of patient care, expanding the knowledge of veterinary joint replacement surgery, and collaborating with you to ensure the success rate of the total hip replacement surgery in your companion animal.

Post-Surgical Expectations

  • Most THR patients are awake from anesthesia in about 30 minutes
  • You will receive a call from the surgeon or a staff member after surgery
  • Your primary care veterinarian will be kept informed
  • Your companion will receive pain medication to be kept comfortable
  • Constant, around the clock patient care, is provided
  • About half of the THR patients can go home the day after surgery
  • Dogs will walk to the car using the new hip with some assistance
  • You will receive written home-care instructions, including medication directions at the time of release
  • Stitches are removed 10-14 days following surgery
  • Radiographic evaluation is done 5-6 weeks after surgery
  • The veterinary surgeon will complete annual communication and evaluation

Total Hip Replacement Success Rates

Each dog and cat that has undergone this surgical procedure is added to Global Veterinary Specialists’ patient registry. That allows our team to measure the outcome of completed total hip replacement surgery in five-year follow-up intervals. Our expectation at that time is that more than 95 percent of our patients will continue to experience full, pain-free mobility for the next ten years following each post-surgical appointment.

Schedule a Veterinary Appointment Today

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 mobility by treating hip dysplasia and other conditions. Each GVS surgeon has more than twenty years of veterinary and surgical experience.

We are teachers, mentors, inventors, clinical researchers, and veterinary surgeons committed to achieving excellent results for every animal we see regardless of age or breed. Please contact us today to learn about the various options for correcting hip dysplasia and how we can help restore your pet’s quality of life.

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How is Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed?

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Hip dysplasia (HD) is a condition that results from the abnormal development of the hip joint in which the ball does not fit snugly into the socket. It can affect both cats and dogs of any size or breed. A comprehensive examination must be completed to rule out other causes of hind lameness or conditions that could exacerbate HD. Radiographs are then obtained to confirm the diagnosis of hip dysplasia.

Other causes of hind lameness include but may not be limited to the following:

  • Hip luxation
  • Patella luxation
  • Joint infection
  • Spinal or neurological abnormalities
  • Fractures of the femoral head (the ball)
  • Trauma or injury to other soft tissue limb structures
  • Orthopedic conditions associated with developmental growth such as osteochondritis dessicans (OCD), panosteitis, or Legg-Perthes disease

The veterinarian will review the patient’s medical history and, if available, genetic background. It is essential to relay information about your pet’s nutrition, symptoms, activity level, and prescribed medications. They will also perform both a physical and orthopedic examination. 

During the orthopedic exam, the dog’s posture and ambulation are observed, and palpation is performed on all four limbs. The latter focuses on each long bone, the major joints, muscle mass, the spine, and the supporting soft tissues. The hip joint is usually examined last to rule out other causes of pain and inflammation.

Excessive joint laxity can be palpated using a diagnostic test, called the Ortolani test, in dogs who do not resist manipulation. An Ortolani sign is beneficial when grading young dogs with HD, particularly in puppies up to about eight to ten weeks, as mild laxity is normal. The Ortolani sign is an indication of hip dysplasia in dogs older than six months.

Imaging Evaluation

Because of the importance of obtaining radiographs to make an accurate diagnosis, it may be best to sedate overly excited dogs or those experiencing pain. That will allow for perfectly positioned imaging to be completed with minimal X-ray exposure. Two views, ventral-dorsal and lateral, are usually sufficient in the diagnosis of this condition.

Radiographic indications of HD include evidence that the femoral head is not seated deeply into the acetabulum – approximately 50 percent of the head should be superimposed inside the socket – and the absence of joint incongruity. Secondary osteoarthritis may or not be present and to a variable degree of severity. 

The severity of the laxity and, if present, arthritis must be determined by obtaining views of both hips. The combination of both the clinical and radiographic findings is essential for selecting the best treatment options. A total hip replacement (THR) is often recommended in animals with moderate to severe HD.

What Are the Signs of Hip Dysplasia?

Common symptoms 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

Schedule an Exam Appointment Today

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 mobility by treating hip dysplasia and other complex problems. Each GVS surgeon has more than twenty years of veterinary and surgical experience.

We are teachers, mentors, inventors, clinical researchers, and veterinary surgeons driven to achieve excellent results for every animal we see regardless of their age or breed. Please contact us today to learn about the various options for treating hip dysplasia and how we can help restore your pet’s quality of life.

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The Rewards of Total Hip Replacement for Dogs

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The most common reason for performing a total hip replacement for dogs is to alleviate pain and restore motion in companion animals that have been diagnosed with severe degenerative joint disease secondary to hip dysplasia. Additional indications for this surgery include:

  • Coxofemoral luxation that is not amendable to either closed or open reduction
  • Capital epiphyseal and femoral neck fractures that cannot be repaired
  • Coxofemoral arthritis secondary to acetabular or femoral malunions
  • Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (Legg-Perthes Disease)
  • Painful previously performed femoral head ostectomies

What Are the Benefits of THR?

A common cause of hind limb lameness, hip dysplasia can impact your pet’s quality of life, resulting from inflammation and pain. One of the most apparent benefits associated with a total hip replacement for dogs is dramatic pain relief. Almost all our patients experience incredible results, resuming a healthy, pain-free life. Many of our patients have even achieved a greater range of motion and discontinuation of limping.

Success Rate of Total Hip Replacement for Dogs

This surgical procedure’s success rate is incredibly high, with more than 95% of our patients regaining normal, pain-free function of their hip joint. That is expected to remain fully functional for a minimum of ten years, but under normal conditions, most of our patients do not experience a repeated occurrence of pain for the rest of their lives. Global Veterinary Specialists has followed over 650 THR recipients throughout their lifespan following surgery.

It is critical to follow postoperative care instructions, including temporarily restricting activities, to prevent complications. Still, most animals can resume normal activities following a total hip replacement for dogs. However, some high-agility sports such as agility or flyball may best be avoided, especially if your pet did not participate in those activities’ before surgery.

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.

We are teachers, mentors, inventors, clinical researchers, and veterinary surgeons driven to achieve excellence for every animal we see. Please contact us today to learn how we treat hip dysplasia and restore your pet’s quality of life.

Resources:

“Outcomes for total joint replacement in dogs and cats.” Global Veterinary Specialists.

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