Help Needed! Hip Dysplasia operation... When to do it if needed?

[lexterwayne]

If she's only hurting for 2 months out of the yr I would opt not doing surgery. I know every dog is different, ad YOU know her better than anyone!! Maybe u could call around and see if anyone does laser therapy there. Not a lot of vets are doing it yet but I really think in the near future a lot of clinics will start w the laser therapy. Lots of nfl, nbl etc are using the laser treatment for athletes as well

 

[Petra]

Petra, I'm really sorry to hear this. Blue was diagnosed with mild HD 3 months ago at 9 months old.

This is what I was told: 1. Keep him on the slim side. This is the best thing that can be done for pain management.
2. HD causes Arthritis, there's no way around . That's the reason she'll be stiff in the cold, or after she wakes up. Some exercise daily is a must for as long as possible. It will keep her from getting stiff, which in turns keeps her from hurting.
3. HD is a degenerative condition. It gets worse over time. HOWEVER, mild HD in most bullies can be managed by diet, exercise and anti-inflammatory meds. Once Arthritis sets in, there's no surgery that will get rid of it.
Just want you to know that even though you haven't mentioned Arthritis, that's what's causing the stiffness. Again, the surgery will NOT get rid of the arthritis.

Petra, I'm hoping you're getting a second opinion from an Orthopedic Surgeon. Don't go to a regular vet.

Also, according to OFFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) a not for profit organization, over 60% of bullies have some form of Hip Dysplasia. According to my Orthopedic Surgeon, the number is higher. Most just go undiagnosed because they don't show many symptoms. Just want you to know you're not alone.

to you and BoeBoe

Keep us updated.

The place we're taking them to isn't really a normal vet, they are specialists and they are also involved in charity work so I know they care and are not only in it for the money. I really like them and they LOVE Boeboe, she's a regular there My husband says he'll let the vet have the final call on whether to operate or not... so if he says she needs it I'm fine with it.

She's on supplements managing the arthritis and we're trying to keep her on the slimmer side, but unfortunately she's one of those bullies with a big butt.

Thanks for info, support and hugs it always feels better after venting a bit

 

[Petra]

I agree w/this 100%… Winston's regular vet was all set to do the entropion surgery, and when I went to the specialist she said that he didn't need it right NOW!!! Honestly I think some vets are just so prone to cut on bully's, and they don't understand how dangerous it can be for them.
@Petra … I'm sure that whatever you decide she will be fine!!! I'm sorry that you have to be alone while she is recovering, but you can always come on here… we will be here for you!!! Do you have an orthopedic surgeon close to you so that you could get a second opinion? I have to drive to Nashville to see ANY specialists for Winston so I can only imagine how it is in South Africa...

Thank you Tracey we've decided to go for what ever the vet thinks is best for Boeboe. Our vet is a specialist, and I do trust him if he says she needs surgery. I just need it to be based on facts and not only my husbands sudden opinion. Something that's interesting is that hip replacement specially made for bulldogs were developed here at the university of Pretoria and our vet preforms these kinds of surgeries. It's a major surgery though and we'll go for the FHO as it is less invasive and not as expensive.

I'll definitely hang around here while she's away, I wish so badly I could go with but I'll just be a mess and the rest of the furkids can't be alone for that long as I refuse to leave them outside unattended. I just have to trust it works out for the best

 

[Petra]

If she's only hurting for 2 months out of the yr I would opt not doing surgery. I know every dog is different, ad YOU know her better than anyone!! Maybe u could call around and see if anyone does laser therapy there. Not a lot of vets are doing it yet but I really think in the near future a lot of clinics will start w the laser therapy. Lots of nfl, nbl etc are using the laser treatment for athletes as well

I'll tell my husband about the laser and ask him to bring it up when he's there and they have the x-rays to look at. I think if they do laser around here our vet will be one of the first to have it

 

[lexterwayne]

I'll tell my husband about the laser and ask him to bring it up when he's there and they have the x-rays to look at. I think if they do laser around here our vet will be one of the first to have it

Great when are y'all taking we in for the X-rays? Keep us updated!!!