TPO Surgery?

[Jodi S.]

My 3 year old female has been limping on and off. She was X-rayed the I was told she has mild dysplesia and the Vet recommended TPO surgery. Does anyone have experience with this surgery? What will happen if I don't do the surgery? etc. Of course the $2500 is an issue but if it will help her, I am all for it. Thanks for your comments.


Jodi

[SonnyRott]

Jodi -

My male had TPO surgery back in March. At the time he was 14 months old. Many vets recommend corrective surgery when the dog is much younger (approx. 7 months old). Our ortho vet however has performed TPO's as late as 3. It all depends on whether or not the socket has degenerated, on the physical health of the dog, and also the size and weight of the dog. It sounds like your dog has no degenerative joint disease or else the TPO would not have been recommended.

It is a very expensive surgery. The amount you quoted is for one side, correct? It is VERY CRITICAL that the aftercare be adhered to COMPLETELY. This is very hard and takes alot of time and patience on the part of the family (and the dog). In our case, the 8 week rule didn't apply (due to the size of our dog). He needed an additional 8 weeks of healing time. I am happy to report that he is doing fine now, but I will always be careful about the type and duration of his exercise.

At 3 years old, you may be able to supplement and medicate her with great success without going through a difficult surgery. I imagine it would be harder on her due to her age. Is she in much pain? You said the HD is mild, maybe with some simple life changes (diet, supplements, altered exercise, swimming, medication) she may be able to live a long and pain free life.

There are many informative web sites out there. Type "Triple Pelvic Osteotomy" in any search engine and you will find a wealth of information. Good luck with your decision.

[flyballmom]

I would think that at the age of 3 years she would have passed the window of opportunity for TPO (usually 7-9 months, before any degenerative changes have occured), and that possibly she could be easily managed using conservative measures. (A combination of supplements, exercise and other measures.) Especially since her HD has been diagnosed as mild. Do an archive search, look also for posts by debbiej about her girl Hilda on the subject of HD.