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armaneo · 11-14-2005, 04:17 AM

I'll try and answer your questions as best as I can. And please keep in mind that this was yorkie's personal experience - and it may not apply to your yorkie.

My yorkie had surgery for leg-perthes when he was about 1 year old.

All I know about the option between replacement of the hip and excission of the femoral head, is likely what you already know - that with little dogs, excission is probably a better option as they don't bear much weight on the joint, and it will heal very well. I can personally attest to the fact that my yorkie walks 100% normal, and it is almost undetectable that he had the surgery, unless he runs excessively, or jumps excessively. Oh, by the way, you say "shaving." My yorkie had to have the entire femoral head removed. Perhaps your yorkie does not have to have as much removed?

My yorkie generally doesn't take well to anesthesia. As such, he looked terrible when he was out of surgery. I was extremely distraught. The doctor didn't do something properly, and had to put him under a second time and re-open the incision. When I saw him, his body temp was not stable, he was shivering, eyes completely glossed, tongue hanging out to the side, and he was clenching down on his tongue. It was one of the most difficult things I had ever seen in my life. After taking him home, he was drugged with a mophine patch to the point where he was just groggy and sleeping. Not much crying.

I honestly can't remember if he had any bandages. It may have only been stitches. Not lots and lots of pain....but moderate. The painkillers really did their job. Occasionally he cried lightly - more like moaning.

No question that I suggest you stay home with your yorkie after the operation. S/he will likely be disoriented just from the anesthesia - and especially from the pain killers.

Throughout healing, the area is looks clean. It is shaved, with a 2.5 inch incision, with stitches. I believe I was applying ointment of some kind on the area. Also, later in the healing process, you will hvae to do a good deal of physical therapy. It will certainly pay off in the long run.

I hope that helps. And remember, my yorkie had to go under twice and had the incision opened twice. He was also neutered during the procedure. I guess what I'm saying is that he went through more than the average yorkie does going under the same operation for Leg-Perthes. If you have any other questions, lemme know. I'll be glad to help.

11-14-2005, 04:17 AM	#3
armaneo Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 61	I'll try and answer your questions as best as I can. And please keep in mind that this was yorkie's personal experience - and it may not apply to your yorkie. My yorkie had surgery for leg-perthes when he was about 1 year old. All I know about the option between replacement of the hip and excission of the femoral head, is likely what you already know - that with little dogs, excission is probably a better option as they don't bear much weight on the joint, and it will heal very well. I can personally attest to the fact that my yorkie walks 100% normal, and it is almost undetectable that he had the surgery, unless he runs excessively, or jumps excessively. Oh, by the way, you say "shaving." My yorkie had to have the entire femoral head removed. Perhaps your yorkie does not have to have as much removed? My yorkie generally doesn't take well to anesthesia. As such, he looked terrible when he was out of surgery. I was extremely distraught. The doctor didn't do something properly, and had to put him under a second time and re-open the incision. When I saw him, his body temp was not stable, he was shivering, eyes completely glossed, tongue hanging out to the side, and he was clenching down on his tongue. It was one of the most difficult things I had ever seen in my life. After taking him home, he was drugged with a mophine patch to the point where he was just groggy and sleeping. Not much crying. I honestly can't remember if he had any bandages. It may have only been stitches. Not lots and lots of pain....but moderate. The painkillers really did their job. Occasionally he cried lightly - more like moaning. No question that I suggest you stay home with your yorkie after the operation. S/he will likely be disoriented just from the anesthesia - and especially from the pain killers. Throughout healing, the area is looks clean. It is shaved, with a 2.5 inch incision, with stitches. I believe I was applying ointment of some kind on the area. Also, later in the healing process, you will hvae to do a good deal of physical therapy. It will certainly pay off in the long run. I hope that helps. And remember, my yorkie had to go under twice and had the incision opened twice. He was also neutered during the procedure. I guess what I'm saying is that he went through more than the average yorkie does going under the same operation for Leg-Perthes. If you have any other questions, lemme know. I'll be glad to help.