Hip dysplasia - FHO procedure

[marly70]

My large GSD Yoss was diagnosed with HS at 9 months old. He started showing the typical characteristics, along with us noticing he wasn't able to do things other dogs his age were doing.

After consulting our vet and an orthopedic surgeon, we were recommended to wait until he was about 12-14 months before surgery, being the x-rays showed his growth plates still wide open according. We have since kept him on low activity, and monitored diet. We used to free feed, and switched to portions twice daily. He seems to do well, and is not showing he's in pain.

He's now 12 months old, and I'm wanting to schedule surgery. Before doing so, I need to calm my fears by doing as much research as possible.

I have two questions for this forum:

1) What is recovery like after FHO surgery? I read everything from a week up to over a month, depending on the breed.

2) We live in Tucson AZ, and have been quoted $3500 for surgery of both sides of his hips. I read in here, prices ranging from $800-$1200. That's a major jump. I would be happy to travel if saving several thousands of dollars.

Thank you!
Marly

[Verivus]

Well looks like we live in the same town! Kaiser had his FHO done at 9 months old by the vet I worked for at the time for $700, but that's because I had an employee discount. Normally at his clinic it runs ~$1800 for a dog of his size. Recovery was painfully slow. I would get 1 hip done and see how he does with just the 1.

Kaiser had his right side done because that side seemed worse on x-ray. He lost a LOT of the little muscle mass he had before surgery and it took a LONG time to get it back. If you feel doing the 2nd hip is necessary then I would wait at least 8 months-1 year in between surgeries. Kaiser does so well with just the 1 FHO that I will not be doing the 2nd until he is symptomatic again. In fact we just got back from a 6 mile walk and he is still up and ready to go.

Which clinic quoted you $3500 for both? That's not a bad price for Tucson if it's for both together, though I don't recommend doing both together. If you go with SAVSEC or VSCOT it is around that price just for 1 FHO. I think VSCOT is also the only clinic in town that will do a THR.

If you want, I can refer you to the vet who did Kaiser's leg. They'll discount your visit too if you tell them I referred you to them.

[marly70]

Chrissy,
That would be great! I was referred to SoAZ Veterinary Specialists on Broadway by our regular vet. I met with Dr. Singer, who had just transferred from New Jersey. Very nice guy, and very thorough in explaining everything. He did recommend doing one hip at a time, and the cost for surgery on both would be $3500. A little high to my, judging by what I have read others paying.
Did you get Kaiser from a local breeder? My dog has a brother from another littler by that name.
Thank you!
Marly

[Verivus]

Wow, what a small world. I work at that clinic, lol. So Singer quoted you $3500 for both hips? Breaks down to ~$1750 a hip. That's not bad at all considering he's a board certified surgeon. You can try calling the place I went to but even with the discount I'm pretty sure you'll be looking at about the same price and the Dr isn't board certified there. I would call VSCOT as well and see what they quote you, but I'm sure it will be comparable since both are specialty clinics.

Price is really dependent on where you are located. In Tucson last year ~1800 was about average for a large dog.

[marly70]

Originally Posted by Verivus

Wow, what a small world. I work at that clinic, lol. So Singer quoted you $3500 for both hips? Breaks down to ~$1750 a hip. That's not bad at all considering he's a board certified surgeon. You can try calling the place I went to but even with the discount I'm pretty sure you'll be looking at about the same price and the Dr isn't board certified there. I would call VSCOT as well and see what they quote you, but I'm sure it will be comparable since both are specialty clinics.

Price is really dependent on where you are located. In Tucson last year ~1800 was about average for a large dog.

Too funny! Singer did mention that pricing would be different if I wanted to make the drive to Phoenix. I may consider that.

Where did you get Kaiser?

[Verivus]

Yeah, if you want anything cheaper then $1700 you're going to have to call around in Phoenix. Honestly though, the price difference will probably level out in gas and time spent driving back and forth.

I got Kaiser from Jinopo through Alpine K9. Big mistake for various reasons.

[marly70]

Originally Posted by Verivus

Yeah, if you want anything cheaper then $1700 you're going to have to call around in Phoenix. Honestly though, the price difference will probably level out in gas and time spent driving back and forth.

Yoss has a 130 lbs brother by the name of Kaiser from another litter, same parents :-)

I'll call around a bit. I really like Singer though, and he has examined Yoss already, so I will most likely be back.

Thank you!
Marly

[marly70]

Originally Posted by marly70

Too funny! Singer did mention that pricing would be different if I wanted to make the drive to Phoenix. I may consider that.

Heather gave me a price of $2600-$2800 when I called today, and we would get a 10% military discount. I'll look around a bit. I don't mind the surgery being performed by a non-certified surgeon. I would prefer Singer to perform it, but I'm a little set back by the price. If I can save $1000 per surgery, I'll gladly drive to Phoenix. For work schedule reasons, I need to schedule it to be performed within the next week.

I'll call the other place you suggested, and see what they offer.

Thank you!

[wyominggrandma]

Dog will recover fine. Physical therapy started immediately after surgery is the key, swimming and slow walks will keep full range of motion in the leg.
A false joint will form and the dog will have no pain since it is not bone on bone anymore, but muscle/muscle with the false joint.
My girl was done and did search and rescue for 9 years after having both hips done.

[marly70]

Originally Posted by wyominggrandma

Dog will recover fine. Physical therapy started immediately after surgery is the key, swimming and slow walks will keep full range of motion in the leg.
A false joint will form and the dog will have no pain since it is not bone on bone anymore, but muscle/muscle with the false joint.
My girl was done and did search and rescue for 9 years after having both hips done.

Thank you for your input. I appreciate it