My Pup and Displaysia Surgery?

 Hip dysplasia is a horrible disease process and crippling. I think you will get varied opinions...but as a vet you should invest in the surgery.

Why? at this age the "viable alternatives" are medications and it will only delay the process...and 8 months is very early to start this.
Hip surgery gives your dog the option of a real life span. In my opinion, any risk is minimal compared to a shortened life span of pain. 

The breeder of this puppy should be notified immediately as well.

If you want to discuss this further, let me know.

Dr.V

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Dr. D.A. Vamvakias
Veterinarian

Thank you for your candid reply. Of course, we will agree that if surgery is best for Bear then there is no question. We simply needed reassuring.

As far as the breeder is concerned, we notified the Americas Pet Registry, the retail store, and the distributer that purchased from the breeder. Although we have the name of the breeder, I have no way to contact him and asked that the distributer do that. I honestly don't beleive anything will be done.

Incidentally, could I impose with a question about recovery from this type of surgery?

Assuming the Surgeon would release him after 3 days or so, how long would he require intesive, continuous care and about how long can we expect before he can stand and walk?

Thank you again for your response. It has helped us.

 It really depends on the surgical procedure they are doing. I am "guessing" the surgery is the Pelvic Osteotomy which is commonly done in young dogs.

Patients have a restricted leash exercise for about 6 weeks...and duration can be increased based on the patient's tolerance.  They usually do one hip at a time...so the dog is immediately up after surgery and over the course of a few days starts toe touching with the surgical side.

If your concern is carrying the dog and urination/defecation...you will be amazed at how quickly this dog gets up and moves for you. What you have to remember is that this dog (by the actions you describe) is already in a fair amount of pain...so after a couple days...(and pain medications) you should see a good bit of improvement. The biggest problem is people spending the money and not doing the post surgical care and the dog messing up the surgery.

I just want to stress, if at all possible, get the surgery.  I can not stress how horrible it is to see a 3 yr old dog that can no longer get up...but is otherwise healthy...be put to sleep or made to suffer a more difficult surgery, just because owners wanted to wait it out.  It will not get better with time!

I am so sorry your family is having to deal with this...it is stressful, and during this phase of the dogs life you should be enjoying the dog not worrying.
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you proceed on this journey with your dog.

Dr.Vamvakias

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Dr. D.A. Vamvakias
Veterinarian

Thank you Doctor, for your kind words and thoughts. We had already decided that if the procedure is best for Bear at this point, we would not hesitate. Since Bear has been crate trained and still insists on resting and sleeping in his "open-door" crate, it may help in his recovery. We will have to keep his two "brothers" from playing with him. They are a 4 year old Yellow Lab and an 18 month old Chocolate Lab.   As you can see, we are really a "dog-loving" family.

Incidentally, the type of surgery is one step up from what you described. It mentioned something about Triple......(something or other), where three cuts were made in the hip and it is reshaped.

 Yes...it is called a TPO or triple pelvic osteotomy...and usually provides a very good outcome.

The "brothers" will be difficult to manage...I tell my clients to remember that 6 weeks is not a long time compared to good results for 15 years!!

Good luck.

Dr.V

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Dr. D.A. Vamvakias
Veterinarian