Hip replacement for Zappa

[jaggirl47]

So, after much deliberation (and comparison of costs) Zappa is getting referred to Texas A&M for hip replacement surgery. I applied for a loan with my bank today. Keep your fingers crossedfor me for approval. It shouldn't be an issue, but with the sluggish rate of loan approval nowadays, you never know. We have the money in the bank, but since we are moving next year and want to buy a house, I want to keep it in the bank, hence the loan.

So, anyways, Zappa's appointment for his referral is in 2 weeks. We have tried the Adequan and started him on aspirin with no truely noticeable results so we will have to have the surgery. The vet will sign over his x-rays to me then and I will be able to post them on here for your thoughts.

Please keep Zappa in your prayers during these next few weeks.

[jaggirl47]

I wanted to add also, if anyone has advice for the after care, it would be greatly appreciated. This is a major surgery and I am scared to death for Zappa. I work post anesthesia care for humans and I see some of the issues that can arise and it scares the poo out of me!

[sherripowell@me.com]

prayers are lifted. keep us posted on everything --- it will all work out!

[LisaT]

Congratulations on the decision, I know it was a tough one!!

No words of advice right now, will post when stuff pops into my mind later. If you are interested in using any homeopathic remedies post surgery, let me know.

Until then, lots of hugs and ear scritches for Zappa.

[jaggirl47]

Lisa, I would love some info on homeopathic remedies. If you have any for pain control, please let me know. I absolutely refuse to use rimadyl for Zappa or anything similar to it because I am too worried about the negative side effects.

[Spiritsmam]

My Shep (Lab Border Collie mix) had both his hips replaced, one when he was 12 years old, the other when he was 13. Two years ago I adopted Sam I am, a Lab who had been hit by a car and had chronic hip luxation and fractured pelvis. He too had a THR. Both did great, in fact both were fully weightbearing within 24 hours of surgery.

The thing to remember is that for many dogs the pain of the surgery is significantly less than the pain they were in beforehand. Both Shep and Sam had Fentanyl patches in place but that was all they needed.

Post op, it is important that exercise be restricted, however, you need to talk carefully with your surgeon as to how restricted, some prefer a crate, others a small, carpeted room. My surgeon preferred a room as he thinks a crate is too small an area.

Exercise post THR varies dog to dog and implant type to implant type. Shep and Sam had BFX (cementless) implants and both were being walked for 5 minutes at a time within a week. I have heard from others that have had Zurich implants where exercise was much more restricted for much longer periods. Shep had some post op complications with both hips (fracture on one, sciatic nerve palsy on the other) so went to rehab for a few weeks. Sam did great and I just did at home exercises. Both dogs were discharged at 12 weeks post op and you'd never know that they had ever had surgery.

You may want to call ortho at A&M about the aspirin. They will likely want Zappa off it prior to surgery.

Keeping you in my thoughts
Joanne

[Elaine]

Don't believe all that you read about rimadyl. Yes, it can be bad for some dogs, like labs, but for most dogs it works wonders. I wouldn't and don't worry about giving it short term, but do check liver enzymes for long term use. It is also good in combination with the narcotics that your vet will give you for pain as it's a very strong anti-inflammatory.

I currently have a border collie that I am fostering that just had her second hip done last week. Her vet sent her home on only tramadol which did almost nothing for her and she just laid there all depressed and painful. I started her on the rimadyl in addition to the tramadol and she dramatically improved.

As with any med, just be aware of any potential side affects and use with care and direction.

[jaggirl47]

Joanne, the way Texas A&M does it, he is to be crated for 4 weeks and come out for walks. The first week, walks will be 5 minutes in duration. Each week we add 5 more minutes so that at 4 weeks post op, he is walking 20 minutes. Then, from what I understand, after his 4 week checkup they will add in more time and small hills, etc. Not too sure on the after 4 weeks part though. We still have to discuss the follow up and if I can do that with my vet. Texas A&M is several hours away (4-5 hours). They use both the BFX and CFX but I will not find out until we get out there. He will also have to be off of the aspirin for 2 weeks prior to his referral appt and surgery.

Elaine, I have several issues with the rimadyl because of the GI issues that Zappa has and also because his last liver enzymes test his lipase was at 1726 which is extremely high. I believe the high edge of normal is around 800. When he goes for his preop appt, he will get a new test drawn. I just don't want to take needless chances with his health.

[LisaT]

Kendra, I wrote you a pm and lost it, will try again tomorrow!!

About that lipase....do they have an explanation for it?

[Brightelf]

Kendra, I will be keeping sweetie Zappa warmly held in my good thoughts and prayers as you both wait for the appointment to come. Please draw strength from the support here-- we all care for you, for dear Zappa. May this go much smoother than you expect, and recovery be easier than you anticipate! Prayers beaming out Zappa's way....