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Old 02-10-2014, 10:26 AM   #1
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Animal Smiley 036 Hip Dysplasia Misdiagnosis

So, this is my first post, but I am looking for some answers as to what I can do about a misdiagnosis and maybe information on Legge-Perthes disease treatment.

When Ruca was 5-6 months old, she came home from the groomer limping. I thought it was a nail cut too short, so I let it go for 2 days. When it became apparent she wasn't putting any weight on her leg and was in pain when I touched it, I made an appointment with my vet.

At the original appt, they did a series of x-rays and told me she had hip dysplasia and that there was nothing we could do aside from daily vitamins (glucosomine mix) for the rest of her life, which I have done for 5 years now.

Last summer, I switched vets due to an emergency and my vet wouldn't answer. This new vet has been amazing and cared for her much more than the old vet. Ten days ago, she suddenly stopped eating/drinking, wouldn't respond to me at all, was laying completely still and full body tremors for 12 hours until we could get her to the vet. They did laser treatment, and gave her a week of Tramadol & Metacam for pain/inflammation. The day after her meds ran out, right back to the same symptoms.

Now I'm being told that she has Legge-Perthe's and needs surgery. They also said this should have been noticeable on xrays at age 6 months-1 year (which I had done). They say the surgery is more risky and longer recovery time now, at age 6. Does anyone have experience with this or have any suggestions for me? Also, can I go back on the old vet for misdiagnosis?
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Old 02-10-2014, 10:48 AM   #2
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Welcome to Yorkie Talk, and I'm sorry your pup is having problems.

Just my opinion, I doubt that you can go back on the first vet some 5-6 years later. I feel that the statements by your current vet may be slightly misleading. I don't think a vet can speak accurately about what was or was not diagnosed in your dog more than 5 years ago. Your vet can only assess the current condition, and if that diagnosis now is that your dog has LP of grade 4 and surgery is needed, you need to consider it. You can also get a second opinion of a specialist if you have further question.

Diagnosing and grading LP in a pup in the first year is not a clear cut call. Many dogs with mild LP grade I or II in the first year, actually tighten up and never need surgery. My Kayla had mild LP in her first year, that has not advanced in 5 years, and she is not limping or in pain, so no surgery is required.

I'm sure other members with more LP experience will offer advice. Keep us posted, and good luck.
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Old 02-10-2014, 11:09 AM   #3
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Well it wasn't just the initial misdiagnosis, it was multiple times over the years when she had pain or was limping that I was told it was the dysplasia and not to worry about it.
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Old 02-10-2014, 11:24 AM   #4
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Hmm...what type of surgery are they recommending? Toki was diagnosed with Legg-Perthes around 10 months and had a femoral head ostectomy done when she was a year old.

Although they may have misdiagnosed Ruca initially, I've always thought that the recommended treatment/surgery for hip dysplasia and Legg-Perthes is the same (an FHO) which typically has a good prognosis. When we first found out about the LCP, my vet recommended just keeping an eye on things (since Toki wasn't limping or showing pain) and waiting to get the surgery done until symptoms were present which is ultimately what ended up happening 2 months later.

I haven't heard too much about this type of surgery being an issue at this age. 6 is still young and I've read about much older dogs getting more difficult surgeries done with successful results. I personally would want to get the surgery done as soon as possible (since limping/pain are present indicating that this is necessary) to preserve the muscle mass and integrity in the affected leg. That will make recovery much better and improve the use of that leg as well.
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Old 02-10-2014, 11:41 AM   #5
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Yes, as tokipoki said, FHO surgery is indicated in both hip dysplasia and Leggs Perthes.

As to her age, I would personally not worry about it. Just get her to an ortho surgeon for an evaluation. One of my pups was diagnosed at the age of approx. 10 with hip dysplasia. She had FHO surgery and did terrific! I have had other pups that had the surgery and none of them have had issues...they were all adult pups.

Worrying about the past is not going to do any good. Just wasted energy. I would focus on the here and now and find a good surgeon for her....personally I won't allow general vets to do this surgery but I know many people do.
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Old 02-10-2014, 11:48 AM   #6
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Thanks guys! They want to do the FHO procedure, and the vet is affiliated with a specialist who works in the same building, so it will be done the correct way. The vet just said that the risks of sedatives are higher at an older age and that recovery time may be longer.

I'm trying not to be mad about the misdiagnosis, but she has literally been limping for 5 years now. There hasn't been one day that I can think of that she went an entire day without limping at least a few times. I just hate to think that she has been in pain for 5 years with no relief because all I was doing was giving her a vitamin and thinking that was all that "could" be done for her condition.
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Old 02-11-2014, 03:46 AM   #7
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Poor pup...at least you now have a new vet and specialist that are proceeding with the proper treatment. I wish you the best with her surgery and will send positive thoughts your way...please keep us posted.
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Old 02-11-2014, 05:50 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RucasMommy View Post
Thanks guys! They want to do the FHO procedure, and the vet is affiliated with a specialist who works in the same building, so it will be done the correct way. The vet just said that the risks of sedatives are higher at an older age and that recovery time may be longer.

I'm trying not to be mad about the misdiagnosis, but she has literally been limping for 5 years now. There hasn't been one day that I can think of that she went an entire day without limping at least a few times. I just hate to think that she has been in pain for 5 years with no relief because all I was doing was giving her a vitamin and thinking that was all that "could" be done for her condition.
I honestly do not know why a vet would suggest that the risk of sedatives is higher....I have never been told that and I have had many, many pups of different ages anesthetized for surgeries over the years. If a vet is using the proper protocols, there should not be much of a risk at all. Where you run into higher risks is with certain conditions and even then, if proper protocol is used the risks are lower.

As to the recovery time, I don't buy that either. I have had older pups recover quicker than younger ones. There are so many variables. And, honestly, I don't consider 6 aged at all.

Best wishes and please keep us posted!
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Old 02-13-2014, 09:51 AM   #9
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Default Surgery day!

Well, Tuesday I went and spoke with the specialist and had more x-rays done on her. Her right femur was pretty much gone, with new cartilage growing in the wrong spots. We went ahead and scheduled surgery for today because without medication on Tuesday the tremors started up again.

She went in 4 hours ago and I just got a call that she is awake in recovery. Will get more updates as the day goes on, and she won't be home until Saturday or Sunday.

I was very impressed with the specialist and he told me that while the vet made the risks seem higher, he was wrong. And that because her knees and health is overall good, she should be fine within 6-8 weeks. So here's to having my happy girl back soon!

Thanks again everyone!
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Old 02-13-2014, 10:41 AM   #10
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So happy you are getting her help. Hope she makes a full recovery and enjoys a happy pain free life.
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Old 02-13-2014, 11:50 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RucasMommy View Post
Well, Tuesday I went and spoke with the specialist and had more x-rays done on her. Her right femur was pretty much gone, with new cartilage growing in the wrong spots. We went ahead and scheduled surgery for today because without medication on Tuesday the tremors started up again.

She went in 4 hours ago and I just got a call that she is awake in recovery. Will get more updates as the day goes on, and she won't be home until Saturday or Sunday.

I was very impressed with the specialist and he told me that while the vet made the risks seem higher, he was wrong. And that because her knees and health is overall good, she should be fine within 6-8 weeks. So here's to having my happy girl back soon!

Thanks again everyone!
Thanks so much for the update! Prayers for a speedy recovery. She is going to feel SO much better.
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Old 02-13-2014, 08:18 PM   #12
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Thank you for updating us! I'm glad to hear that she is getting the surgery that she's needed.
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Old 02-16-2014, 09:48 AM   #13
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That's brilliant ur little girl will be feeling great in no time x
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Old 02-19-2014, 12:19 PM   #14
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Thanks everyone for all your help. We are one week out of surgery and she is doing great! Went back for a check up today and she is healing up just on schedule!
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Old 02-19-2014, 01:10 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RucasMommy View Post
Thanks everyone for all your help. We are one week out of surgery and she is doing great! Went back for a check up today and she is healing up just on schedule!
Great news!! Thanks for updating!
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