Dogs affected with hip dysplasia develop shallow, loose hip sockets often within the first year of life. The condition usually progresses, resulting in partial or complete hip dislocation. Arthritis develops which can be severe—even early in life.

Signs of hip dysplasia may include:

• difficulty rising
• limping
• walking with a “waddle”
• bunny hopping while running
• difficult going up and down stairs or jumping into a vehicle

Dogs that do not respond well to pain medication management may be candidates for total hip replacement.

Total Hip Replacement

The procedure involves the removal of the diseased ball and socket, and replacement with a prosthetic femoral ball, stem, and hip socket. The success rate for total hip replacement in dogs is over 90%.

Like any procedure, however, complications can occur including bone fracture, infection, dislocation, and the need for removal of the implants. It’s important to note that the chance of complications is greatly minimized by activity restriction after surgery.

Your dog’s recovery from a total hip replacement

Dogs having a hip replacement should be confined and walked on a leash for 6 weeks. This may be difficult as most dogs are feeling much better and may be anxious to resume activity. Radiographs (x-rays), performed 6-8 weeks after surgery, will provide recommendations for resuming normal activity. After the recovery period, most dogs resume a normal quality of life including running, jumping, playing, or hunting.

While many dogs have hip dysplasia in both hips, most dogs will compensate well on the hip that was replaced allowing surgeons to delay or even eliminate the need to have the opposite hip replaced.

The board certified surgeons at WestVet have extensive training and experience with hip dysplasia and other procedures used to improve a dog’s gait and mobility. For more details on the total hip replacement procedure, you may access a blog on this subject authored by Dr. Jeff Brourman HERE.

WestVet client Testimonial on Successful Hip Replacement

Meet Dorado, the rescue dog who had a successful total hip replacement at WestVet. Her people shared their story and this dog’s wonderful new life following surgery, in a blog HERE.

Please see your family veterinarian for a referral for a consultation with a WestVet surgeon. If you have questions regarding your dog’s Total Hip Replacement, please contact us at 208.375.1600.