Hip Issue in 8-Month Old Puppy - YorkieTalk.com Forums

socalyte · 03-16-2011, 10:25 AM

Hi all. I’m new here and though I don’t own a Yorkie, my Maltese has an issue I discovered was discussed numerous times here from doing a search on the internet. I hope you don't mind me coming here for some help and advice! I have a Maltese who is under three pounds at 8- 1/2 months of age. She was limping on her right rear leg, so I took her to the vet three weeks ago-- luxating patella was ruled out so the working diagnosis was sprain. A few days ago I took her in for an x-ray to just reassure myself as she was still limping, plus I had read a bit about Legg-Calve-Perthes and wanted to be proactive in case it was. The x-ray shows hip dysplasia, and it’s pretty severe. The vet suggested strongly we do a femoral head osteotomy, and soon since it’s bad and she is in pain (although other than limping, I would never have known because she is a pretty active and seemed like a happy little dog). It is bilateral, with the right much worse than the left- the left side may or may not need surgery. We are seeing a specialist for a second opinion, but my community vet seems very confident about doing the procedure himself and has done them before. Anyone whose little one has had an FHO, did a specialist or your regular vet do it? How did it turn out? I’m freaked about the surgery (of course), and especially since removing the femoral head means there is no bony joint.

Prayers and good thoughts would be very appreciated-- I am really upset, and of course want to do the right thing by my baby. I hate that she has been in pain and hate that it looks like surgery is required.

By the way, she was very well bred by a show breeder and has excellent lineage of champions for many generations, so I was very careful in choosing my breeder and puppy.

Cha Cha · 03-16-2011, 12:30 PM

Welcome to YT, and sending some positive thoughts and prayers to you and your baby. I have just recently gone through an FHO surgery on my baby for Hip Displasia. After her surgery, she had bone re-growth where the femoral head was removed and required a second surgery of the same hip. I think our case of that happening is very unusual. They also didn't give me much hope that she would use her leg again, also unusual. However, with some great support and encouragement from YT, and physical therapy, I am happy to say my baby is doing great, and using her leg well. For the first time ever, she stands on her hind legs to say hello to me and will sit up for a treat. That is something that was too painful for her to do before. She has a ways to go but I couldn't be happier with our progress. The FHO surgeries usually have good results. I don't want to scare you with our story, we just had a bump in the road. If you have the option of a specialist, I would recommend that route as well.

ladyjane · 03-16-2011, 01:21 PM

I have had FHO done in the past on a foster. I always go to a board certified vet for any orthopedic surgeries.

Good luck with your puppy. She should be fine after the surgery. These little ones ususally recover well from that surgery.

socalyte · 03-16-2011, 10:34 PM

Thank you both for your input and encouragement. It's so nice to hear how others have come through the surgery. This really seems like a bad dream to me, although let me tell you, I'm not sleeping much!

I'm taking her to see an ortho specialist so we will see what happens from there. Wish us luck and remember us in your prayers.

ladyjane · 03-17-2011, 07:04 AM

When is your appointment? Let us know how it goes!

Will keep her in my thoughts and prayers...what is her name?

BonBon · 03-17-2011, 07:09 AM

I just wanted to offer my prayers for your little one. Please keep us updated on she's doing.

Bonny

Bitsy · 03-17-2011, 10:42 AM

I agree with going to a specialist. I really hope things go well for your pup.
Keep us posted!

socalyte · 03-18-2011, 08:36 AM

Just wanted to update everyone on my maltese puppy. What a whirlwind it's been!

I took her to the specialist yesterday, and he said she either had hip dysplasia or Legg-Calve-Perthes, and knowing which it was wasn't that important because treatment is the same, a femoral head osteotomy (FHO) or micro total hip replacement (THR) which is a new procedure. They didn't used to do THRs for dogs under 35 pounds, but the hardware for the procedure is now available, so that was an option if I wanted to pursue it. He didn't do them, but could refer me out. The down-side to the THR is that it is new, so doesn't have a very long track record, the implant is cementless, so will need to be replaced down the road, and I really didn't want to go to yet another specialist. The other issue is also that she would need to be on complete crate rest for a much, much longer period of time, whereas with the FHO she only needed crate rest for two weeks. My friend Pam was with me, and we both felt so comfortable with him that I opted to continue care there. I asked when they could schedule it, and he said "We can even do it today." At first I thought he was kidding, but he wasn't! I thought, why not, we're here, I won't have the stress of awaiting surgery, and I can take her home Saturday morning and have the weekend with her. The other up-side is that unlike my local vet, I didn't have to take her home the same day and deal with blood sugar level issues, pain issues, etc. through the night. I just wasn't prepared to take that on since it is so stressful.

Her surgery was pushed back til yesterday evening due to emergencies coming in, but the specialist called after it was over and said she did absolutely great, no worriesome issues at all! What a relief! I talked to the nurse this morning and my little girl is doing well, even ate for them several times already. She said they all love her, LOL.

She does have a bare little chicken leg now, of course, so if anyone knows someone who sews for a living, I'd really love the referral. I'd like to have some pj's, leisure/jogging-type outfits, etc, made for her to help keep that leg warm, and keep her stylish and pretty, LOL. Since she has longish fur on the rest of her body, I'd want them to be lined with silk or satin. I'm just not a good enough seamstress to do that, and I work full-time and don't have the time to do a good job. Recommendations for seamstresses you trust would be sooooo appreciated.

Thanks for your concern and support. It is more appreciated than you all know!

ladyjane · 03-18-2011, 03:03 PM

The FHO's are done often and the pups do really well with them! I was just at the specialist today with one of my pups and we had a discussion about them. My little guy may need surgery down the road and honestly, I will probably go with the FHO. I had a foster who had both hips done at the same time without any problems at all!
As for pj's, I would caution you to hold off on them until her leg is healed because the incision should not be covered. Actually, that gives you some time to find some pj's you love....you might want to PM 107barney .. she makes adorable pajamas and can embroider your pup's name on them. She makes them to fit!
Hoping for a speedy and uneventful recovery!

ladyjane · 03-18-2011, 03:07 PM

Here is a thread about her winter pajama sale. That will give you an idea of what she can make.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...-nighties.html

socalyte · 03-19-2011, 10:46 PM

Thanks for that recommendation-- those are beautiful!

Today was tough, we're dealing with positioning, not putting weight on the leg while going potty, keeping everything clean, making sure the meds are given on time, and us trying to get some rest! The incision looks good so far, and the pjs she has on now are actually several sizes too big so there is a lot of air getting to her incision. I check on it to make sure there is no redness or swelling. Weird that we keep it uncovered when in humans you do have the incision site covered up with bandages. Anyway hopefully we get into a comfortable routine and things get easier for her as the days go by.

Thanks to everyone who offered their best wishes, helpful information, encouragement and prayers.

ladyjane · 03-20-2011, 08:45 AM

Each day will get easier.

In time she will be running around as if nothing ever happened.

megansmomma · 03-20-2011, 09:12 AM

I am just seeing your post today and wanted to wish you and your little one well for a quick recovery. Since this is a congential issue I would strongly suggest you contact your breeder regarding both her condition so that the parts are not used for breeding and also for monetary help with her surgical bills. Please keep us posts and welcome to YT

*****T Bumpkins & Co (107barney) is wonderful and has made things for me in the past and I highly recommend her.

Cha Cha · 03-21-2011, 06:52 AM

I am glad your surgery went well, and sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery. 107 Barney does make awesome jammies and she makes them to fit perfectly. Mylee loves hers!

socalyte · 03-22-2011, 06:03 PM

Thanks for the recommendations! Yes, I am contacting her breeder. I'm not sure any financial help with be forthcoming though because the puppy contract says I get a refund or replacement. There's obviously no way I would want a different puppy, I love my little girl!

Recovery has had its good and bad moments. Not being able to stand at all on the leg operated on makes her very dependent-- worse than a brand new puppy because she has to be carried for everything-- potty, eating, drinking, moving her from room to room with me, anytime I go somewhere else in the house. I'm super tired but glad I can be there for her.

03-16-2011, 10:25 AM	#1
socalyte YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Camarillo, CA USA Posts: 7	Hip Issue in 8-Month Old Puppy Hi all. I’m new here and though I don’t own a Yorkie, my Maltese has an issue I discovered was discussed numerous times here from doing a search on the internet. I hope you don't mind me coming here for some help and advice! I have a Maltese who is under three pounds at 8- 1/2 months of age. She was limping on her right rear leg, so I took her to the vet three weeks ago-- luxating patella was ruled out so the working diagnosis was sprain. A few days ago I took her in for an x-ray to just reassure myself as she was still limping, plus I had read a bit about Legg-Calve-Perthes and wanted to be proactive in case it was. The x-ray shows hip dysplasia, and it’s pretty severe. The vet suggested strongly we do a femoral head osteotomy, and soon since it’s bad and she is in pain (although other than limping, I would never have known because she is a pretty active and seemed like a happy little dog). It is bilateral, with the right much worse than the left- the left side may or may not need surgery. We are seeing a specialist for a second opinion, but my community vet seems very confident about doing the procedure himself and has done them before. Anyone whose little one has had an FHO, did a specialist or your regular vet do it? How did it turn out? I’m freaked about the surgery (of course), and especially since removing the femoral head means there is no bony joint. Prayers and good thoughts would be very appreciated-- I am really upset, and of course want to do the right thing by my baby. I hate that she has been in pain and hate that it looks like surgery is required. By the way, she was very well bred by a show breeder and has excellent lineage of champions for many generations, so I was very careful in choosing my breeder and puppy.

03-16-2011, 12:30 PM	#2
Cha Cha Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Where the deer and the antelope play Posts: 7,069	Welcome to YT, and sending some positive thoughts and prayers to you and your baby. I have just recently gone through an FHO surgery on my baby for Hip Displasia. After her surgery, she had bone re-growth where the femoral head was removed and required a second surgery of the same hip. I think our case of that happening is very unusual. They also didn't give me much hope that she would use her leg again, also unusual. However, with some great support and encouragement from YT, and physical therapy, I am happy to say my baby is doing great, and using her leg well. For the first time ever, she stands on her hind legs to say hello to me and will sit up for a treat. That is something that was too painful for her to do before. She has a ways to go but I couldn't be happier with our progress. The FHO surgeries usually have good results. I don't want to scare you with our story, we just had a bump in the road. If you have the option of a specialist, I would recommend that route as well. __________________ Shelly and the girls Moka Mylee

03-16-2011, 01:21 PM	#3
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,450	I have had FHO done in the past on a foster. I always go to a board certified vet for any orthopedic surgeries. Good luck with your puppy. She should be fine after the surgery. These little ones ususally recover well from that surgery. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

03-17-2011, 07:04 AM	#5
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,450	When is your appointment? Let us know how it goes! Will keep her in my thoughts and prayers...what is her name? __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

03-17-2011, 07:09 AM	#6
BonBon Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: With my yorkies Posts: 10,350	I just wanted to offer my prayers for your little one. Please keep us updated on she's doing. Bonny __________________ He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. -- Author Unknown

03-16-2011, 10:34 PM	#4
socalyte YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Camarillo, CA USA Posts: 7	Thank you both for your input and encouragement. It's so nice to hear how others have come through the surgery. This really seems like a bad dream to me, although let me tell you, I'm not sleeping much! I'm taking her to see an ortho specialist so we will see what happens from there. Wish us luck and remember us in your prayers.

03-17-2011, 10:42 AM	#7
Bitsy Ultimate Banner! Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: US Posts: 6,122	I agree with going to a specialist. I really hope things go well for your pup. Keep us posted! __________________ Bitsy loves Sophia and Peyton

03-18-2011, 08:36 AM	#8
socalyte YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Camarillo, CA USA Posts: 7	Just wanted to update everyone on my maltese puppy. What a whirlwind it's been! I took her to the specialist yesterday, and he said she either had hip dysplasia or Legg-Calve-Perthes, and knowing which it was wasn't that important because treatment is the same, a femoral head osteotomy (FHO) or micro total hip replacement (THR) which is a new procedure. They didn't used to do THRs for dogs under 35 pounds, but the hardware for the procedure is now available, so that was an option if I wanted to pursue it. He didn't do them, but could refer me out. The down-side to the THR is that it is new, so doesn't have a very long track record, the implant is cementless, so will need to be replaced down the road, and I really didn't want to go to yet another specialist. The other issue is also that she would need to be on complete crate rest for a much, much longer period of time, whereas with the FHO she only needed crate rest for two weeks. My friend Pam was with me, and we both felt so comfortable with him that I opted to continue care there. I asked when they could schedule it, and he said "We can even do it today." At first I thought he was kidding, but he wasn't! I thought, why not, we're here, I won't have the stress of awaiting surgery, and I can take her home Saturday morning and have the weekend with her. The other up-side is that unlike my local vet, I didn't have to take her home the same day and deal with blood sugar level issues, pain issues, etc. through the night. I just wasn't prepared to take that on since it is so stressful. Her surgery was pushed back til yesterday evening due to emergencies coming in, but the specialist called after it was over and said she did absolutely great, no worriesome issues at all! What a relief! I talked to the nurse this morning and my little girl is doing well, even ate for them several times already. She said they all love her, LOL. She does have a bare little chicken leg now, of course, so if anyone knows someone who sews for a living, I'd really love the referral. I'd like to have some pj's, leisure/jogging-type outfits, etc, made for her to help keep that leg warm, and keep her stylish and pretty, LOL. Since she has longish fur on the rest of her body, I'd want them to be lined with silk or satin. I'm just not a good enough seamstress to do that, and I work full-time and don't have the time to do a good job. Recommendations for seamstresses you trust would be sooooo appreciated. Thanks for your concern and support. It is more appreciated than you all know!

03-18-2011, 03:03 PM	#9
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,450	The FHO's are done often and the pups do really well with them! I was just at the specialist today with one of my pups and we had a discussion about them. My little guy may need surgery down the road and honestly, I will probably go with the FHO. I had a foster who had both hips done at the same time without any problems at all! As for pj's, I would caution you to hold off on them until her leg is healed because the incision should not be covered. Actually, that gives you some time to find some pj's you love....you might want to PM 107barney .. she makes adorable pajamas and can embroider your pup's name on them. She makes them to fit! Hoping for a speedy and uneventful recovery! __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

03-18-2011, 03:07 PM	#10
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,450	Here is a thread about her winter pajama sale. That will give you an idea of what she can make. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...-nighties.html __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

03-19-2011, 10:46 PM	#11
socalyte YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Camarillo, CA USA Posts: 7	Thanks for that recommendation-- those are beautiful! Today was tough, we're dealing with positioning, not putting weight on the leg while going potty, keeping everything clean, making sure the meds are given on time, and us trying to get some rest! The incision looks good so far, and the pjs she has on now are actually several sizes too big so there is a lot of air getting to her incision. I check on it to make sure there is no redness or swelling. Weird that we keep it uncovered when in humans you do have the incision site covered up with bandages. Anyway hopefully we get into a comfortable routine and things get easier for her as the days go by. Thanks to everyone who offered their best wishes, helpful information, encouragement and prayers.

03-20-2011, 08:45 AM	#12
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,450	Each day will get easier. In time she will be running around as if nothing ever happened. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

03-20-2011, 09:12 AM	#13
megansmomma Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: S. W. Suburbs of Chicago, IL Posts: 12,235	I am just seeing your post today and wanted to wish you and your little one well for a quick recovery. Since this is a congential issue I would strongly suggest you contact your breeder regarding both her condition so that the parts are not used for breeding and also for monetary help with her surgical bills. Please keep us posts and welcome to YT ****T Bumpkins & Co (107barney) is wonderful and has made things for me in the past and I highly recommend her. __________________ “Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” Mark Twain*

03-21-2011, 06:52 AM	#14
Cha Cha Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Where the deer and the antelope play Posts: 7,069	I am glad your surgery went well, and sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery. 107 Barney does make awesome jammies and she makes them to fit perfectly. Mylee loves hers! __________________ Shelly and the girls Moka Mylee

03-22-2011, 06:03 PM	#15
socalyte YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Camarillo, CA USA Posts: 7	Thanks for the recommendations! Yes, I am contacting her breeder. I'm not sure any financial help with be forthcoming though because the puppy contract says I get a refund or replacement. There's obviously no way I would want a different puppy, I love my little girl! Recovery has had its good and bad moments. Not being able to stand at all on the leg operated on makes her very dependent-- worse than a brand new puppy because she has to be carried for everything-- potty, eating, drinking, moving her from room to room with me, anytime I go somewhere else in the house. I'm super tired but glad I can be there for her.