Total Hip Replacement

 

Hip replacement in dogs is one of the many surgical options for management of canine hip dysplasia. It provides relief from pain for affected dogs and allows a return to normal activity. Dogs with successful total hip replacement (THR) can be expected to function as family pets, and may return to sporting and other activities.

Indications For Hip Replacement:
The hip in dogs is most often replaced to eliminate pain associated with chronic hip dysplasia. Other common reasons to replace the hip include chronic hip dislocation, severe chronic fracture involving the hip, and arthritis of the hip.

Candidates:
Candidates for THR are typically large breed dogs (>60 lbs) with irreparable disease or injury to the hip joint. The dog must be fully grown at the time of surgery. To minimize postsurgical complications, candidates should be free from infection of the ears, skin, or organs, and free from neurologic disease.

Procedure:
Total hip replacement is a major surgical procedure. The dog's health is fully evaluated before surgery to minimize the risk of complications. The leg is shaved and scrubbed from the hock (ankle) to the middle of the back in preparation for surgery. The surgical procedure involves removal of the damaged femoral head femoral head and acetabulum (socket). The femoral head is replaced with a metal stem cemented into the femur and topped with a metal ball. The acetabulum is replaced with a high-density polyethylene cup cemented into place. Since the bone cement used could serve as a hiding place for bacteria, special precautions are observed to prevent contamination at surgery. The dog is recovered from anesthesia and given medication to prevent pain or discomfort. Average hospital stay is 5 days, and the dog should be kept confined for 8 total weeks after surgery. Radiographs are taken at one month and then yearly thereafter to assess the integrity of the prosthetic joint.

Total Hip Implants After Placement in a Dog

Risks:
Every possible measure is taken to minimize the risk of complications from hip replacement surgery. Reports indicate that complications occur in approximately 8% of cases. The two major risks of the surgery are infection (about 2%), and luxation or displacement of the joint (about 3-5%). Infection of the implants may necessitate removal of the entire prosthesis. Other potential problems include anesthetic complications, nerve damage, or fracture of the femur.

After care:
Proper care after surgery is important if a satisfactory result is to be achieved. The patient's activity must be restricted for 8 weeks to a small area with good footing. Running and jumping is not
Permitted for the entire 8 week period. Stairs should be avoided. Leash walks are permitted and can gradually be increased in length. The dog is not permitted to be off a leash while outside for the 8 week period.

Prognosis:
The majority of dogs regain full, pain free function after total hip replacement. Satisfactory results are achieved in over 90% of cases.