Total Hip Replacement in Canines

In canines, especially large breeds, they can develop severe arthritis and degeneration of the hip joint. This condition is known as hip dysplasia. This is a very painful arthritic condition and can be treated with medications such as Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) or steroids. However, this only treats the symptoms and does not fix the source of the problem. For some dogs, it is developed early on in life. It may be that it has been genetically passed down and the dog is more predisposed to the condition than others. Regardless, it is a painful condition of the hip joint and should be corrected if possible.

For dogs that suffer from severe hip dysplasia, there are now a couple of options for them to choose from. Granted that they are in good health and overall, a good surgical candidate (good blood values and not too severely degenerated hips), a total hip replacement is an option for them. This surgery can provide immediate relief once finished. Here is how the surgery is done: First, an incision is made on the side (right or left, depending on which is being repaired first). Once the veterinarian reaches the hip, he/she will free the femoral head from the socket by cutting the round ligament which holds the femoral head in place. Once the femoral head is free, the veterinarian will then cut the head off. A hole is then drilled into the femur where the head had been. Next, an artificial femoral head and neck are screwed into the hole. Once that is secure, the old acetabular cup (hip socket) is reemed out until fresh medullary bone is visible. An artificial cup is then screwed in and the femoral head snaps permanently in the new socket.

If your dog is not a good candidate based on the fact that the hip is too arthritic and unstable for an artificial hip, an FHO (femoral head ostectomy) may be the most beneficial. This surgery is when the femoral head is cut off completely and the leg is secured with the leg muscles. Your veterinarian will obviously need radiographs to assess the hips for either procedure. He/she will take the appropriate measurements and look to see how much bone is remaining in the hip socket. A certain amount of bone is needed in order to reem down to fresh medullary bone, and if that is not available, the procedure should not be done. Your veterinarian can answer any questions regarding these surgeries that you may have.