Hip Dysplasia and FHO surgery in Yorkies
 

Hi,

I posted somewhere about my Lily limping now and again. I took her to the first vet in Hawaii and they told me it's mild LP and she was not in pain or anything. Might even grow out of it.

We it got worse as time went on so I asked my new California VET to look at her. They did e-rays and showed my that little Lily had all but no hip joint on her left and a misshaped femur head which was causing her a great deal of pain.

Got a 2nd opinion and then did the FHO Monday. I would like to hear from anyone who has seen this in Yorkies.

I'm upset that my breeder didn't really do a health check even though she certified the dogs health. I'm also upset that vet one didn't even check for this and I let Lily remain in pain thinking it was just a slipping knee.

She is doing OK after surgery, even though this wia the 2nd worse day of her life Monday of course the worst day ever. She started taking water and ate a little chicken just an hour ago.

I'm sorry to hear about your little Lily. My Mylee had hip displasia and had the FHO surgery a year ago. Most dogs do really well post op with this surgery. We developed some very rare complications and Mylee had to have the surgery again 8 weeks later to remove some bone spurs that grew back. After that, we were given a 50/50 that she would ever use her leg again. Today, you'd never know she'd had that surgery or complications. If your Lily was in that much pain, you made the right choice and I think once you get past her recovery stage you will be amazed at how well she does. Be sure to follow your vet's instructions and she'll be fine. There are several members here who have been through this surgery with favorable results.

Oh dear I am so sorry to hear about the Leggs Perthes. This is a genetic condition. Your breeder should be notified of the diagnosis and hopefully you have some kind of usefull health guarantee in place, which you can make a claim against. I am not sure what state you bought your Lily in, but there may be Puppy Lemon laws in place, that should help to protect you as well.

I'm sure your surgeon has given you good after surgery care for your Lily. If not ask for it. Including questions about what type of physio, and when to start, maintaining a healthy weight for your Lily, and other suggestions that they might have. And for sure underwater treadmill work is indicated at the appropriate time.

If you read on the Sick and Emergency Forum, you will see that this condition has been experienced by not a few members here. Perhaps you can re post this there, as many of our members read this forum first.

I am happy Lily came through the surgery well. And I hope that you can get some relief of the medical expenses from your breeder. I'm not sure what you mean by the breeder "certifying" the health of her puppies. What she should be able to attest to and to back this up, with OFA evaluations is that the parents are free from;' hip dysplasia including LEggs Perthes, Luxating Patella, CERF (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), elbow dysplasia, thyroid (ie normal thyroid tests). Also as the buyer, you need to check for yourself this registry to see what the parent's have been tested for.

A further note on Leggs Perthes; puppies often do not evidence symptoms until 7months old.

A regular puppy check by a regular vet does not and can not attest to the fact that the puppy is free from any of the above conditions.

Hope Lily heals up quickly.

Prayers for a speedy and uneventful recovery for your sweet Lily...

Lp vs LP
 

The thing is Vet #1 referred to LP the knee Luxating Patella. Told me it was very mild did no X-rays. This was in Hawaii. Vet #2 here in Chino Hills. Got it right by doing a complete exam and ruled out knee cap slipping right away and realized what my gut told me from the start. It was in her hip. I could tell when I rolled her over to rub her tummy she didn't spread her legs evenly. She drew the left leg up and in.

When I saw the X-rays I just cried. All those months of pain she endured and the thing is my gut TOLD me the first vet was wrong, but we were so busy with the transfer over here and everything. ....... I took the easy answer.

Bright side I love this new vet. The procedure went well She will heal...... She is felling better this afternoon and telling me she really hates the plastic cone. 13 more days of that cone little sweetie not til the stitches come out. :rolleyes: