Introduction

Total Hip Replacement (THR) is a surgical procedure to replace a dog's damaged hip joint with an artificial one. This advanced procedure can restore your dog's mobility, comfort, and quality of life.

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Indications for THR

1. Severe hip dysplasia: Dogs with painful hip dysplasia unresponsive to medical management may benefit from THR. Younger dogs with severe hip dysplasia are also candidates, to avoid life-long management of osteoarthritis.
2. Osteoarthritis: Advanced joint deterioration that significantly affects mobility and causes pain.
3. Hip joint fractures or dislocations: In certain cases, replacement may be more effective than repair.
4. Failed Previous Surgeries: If previous interventions to treat the hip did not provide sufficient relief.

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Steps of the Procedure

1. Assessment and planning: A thorough orthopaedic examination is performed and radiographs are taken to evaluate the joint's condition and determine the suitable implant size.
2. Prior to surgery: We recommend a regimen of thorough skin washing with an anti-bacterial shampoo for two weeks before the procedure.
3. The day of surgery: Your pet is admitted to the hospital after fasting overnight. They are placed under general anaesthesia for the procedure.
4. Incision: A surgical cut is made over the affected hip.
5. Preparation: The damaged ball and socket of the hip joint are removed.
6. Implant placement: The artificial hip components, made of titanium and polyethylene, are positioned in place.
7. Closure: The incision is sutured, and the area is covered with a sterile dressing. Further X-rays are taken to confirm correct placement of the implants.
8. Immediate Post-Op: Your dog is closely monitored as they recover from anaesthesia.

Post-Procedure Care

Your pet's comfort and swift recovery are our top priorities.

At VetSurg:

• Your pet will stay in hospital for two nights to ensure pain management, monitor their initial recovery, and address any post-surgical concerns with our 24/7 on-site team.

At Home:

• Week 1-2: No running, jumping, or stair-climbing is allowed. Short leash walks to go to the toilet are ok, and these will increase over the coming weeks. The surgical site should be kept clean and dry, and the provided Elizabethan collar should stay on at all times. We will see your pet at the two-week mark to check on their progress.
• Week 3-12: The duration of leash walks can be gradually increased, and we will guide you through this. We will see your pet at the eight-week mark for some further x-rays to monitor healing.
• Your pet can return to normal activity after around three months.
• We recommend further X-rays yearly or every second year to monitor for any complications.

Potential Complications

1. Infection: Although rare, infections can occur at the surgical site or deeper within the joint.
2. Dislocation: The artificial joint may become displaced. Immediate veterinary attention is needed.
3. Implant loosening or failure: Over time, the artificial joint might loosen or shift, though this is rare with modern implants.
4. Nerve damage: As with any surgery, there's a slight risk of damage to nearby structures.
5. Bone fracture: The bone can occasionally fracture during or after the surgery, necessitating further intervention.

Around 10% of patients will have a complication that will require a second surgery. While this can be daunting, in the majority of cases the complication can be successfully resolved. Occasionally, we may need to remove the implants altogether. Scar tissue then forms between the pelvis and femur, creating a 'false' joint that is pain-free.

Remember, while potential complications exist, THR is a rewarding procedure with a high success rate, drastically improving many dogs' quality of life. Your dog's full return to normal activity may take several months, but with diligence and proper care, they can enjoy a pain-free, active life once again.