10 Month old needing THP or TPO

[juicedgr95]

I am not new here despite my low post count, I actually lurk around here quite often and have raised my pup with a strict rule of not plaing too hard and feeding the right type of food ect because HD has been a big concern.

My boy Axle is 10 months old and has started limping and crying recently. I also noticed while out in the garage where it is very quiet that I could hear a clicking or popping sound when he walks, and a couple times I could actually see his left hip joint pop in and out. The limping would come and go and he seemed fine in between, always full of energy and ready to play.

I decided it was time for an xray and decided to neuter as well, since it would save me money. His original neuter was scheduled for 18 months old.

The vet just called, hips are in terrible condition, especially the left side where the bone is able to be popped out of the socket easily. She is talking with a ortho surgeon about what needs to be done. We are looking at two possibilities, a triple pelvic osteotomy or total hip replacement. I am hoping the former will give my buddy and best friend the best life possible as well as saving a little cash. Honestly the roughly $2k for that surgery is going to put a huge burden on me, I dont not know if the THR at approx. $5k is even something I could manage. I am at such a loss right now, and just waiting to hear more from the vet.

I am in Raleigh, NC and would love some recommendations on Ortho Vets in the area. NC States vet school is already on the list.

[GSDBESTK9]

I'm very sorry to hear that. Why a THR or a TPO??? Why not an FHO??? I would get different opinions from different Ortho Specialists. My rescue girl had severe HD at 10 months old as well. Luckily the Ortho I went with was honest and told me a THR was not necessary. I had a bilateral FHO done on her for about $1200 and she has lived a happy, painless free life after that. Still going strong at 10 years old.
I also know of a rescued GSD that had a THR done had lots of problems after that and after thousands and thousands of $$$ the owner took him to the same Ortho I went with and they did an FHO on the dog. The dog was fine after that. Plus the recovery is so much easier and quicker.

[juicedgr95]

I havent been told of that option, but I will be getting the xrays and talking with several surgeons in the area, Thank you for the info.

[juicedgr95]

Got the X-rays today, waiting to hear more from the specialist about options. These dont mean a whole lot to me but maybe some of you have opinions.

[LisaT]

With the TPO, there can be no arthritis (looks like there isn't, but I didn't look that closely?), and the angles have to meet a certain angle to be a good candidate. If you are considering this surgery, the most important question is to ask if your dog's hips, angles, etc., are a good candidate for this surgery. Sooner rather than later is best for the TPO, my girl's was done at 14 months I believe.

[RebelGSD]

I had excellent experience with FHO with an older rescue dog. The recovery was a breeze and she did beautifully after the surgery. I would suggest trying to find a vet that does FHO surgery as well. Mine was not a specialist.

[YogisBear]

Our GS Bear is almost 10 months old and will have his 1st surgery tomorrow. He had a sore leg, our regular Vet did x-rays last week and we left him with Dr Rouse the orthopedic surgeon yesterday. We are told that this is our best option now, before 1yr old for best results. Yes it is costing $$$$$. I would be interested is hearing from friends and their experience with the results and recovery after TPO.