Update: TPO Surgery 1 Year Post Op

[SonnyRott]

Just got back from the vet.

Sonny's 1 year post-op TPO xray to correct his hip dysplasia looked GREAT!! Those were the words of the ortho surgeon as well.

I can't tell you my joy in hearing those words! Even though we had a rocky road, the surgery proved successful. I can't tell you the number of opinions I received when we discovered his HD at 5 months of age. The opinions ranged from "put the dog down" to "don't have the surgery, just supplement him" to "don't waste your money he'll never lead a normal life".

Yes, it was a financial sacrifice. I think the bottomline is to do what is comfortable for your family and for your dog. I truly felt my dog had a chance, given the opportunity, to lead a near normal life. He just had too much "spark" in his eye!

He is resting comfortably now with his ball. I was also pleasantly surprised that his weight was lower than I expected. He is 26.5 at the shoulder and 97 pounds. By the end of the summer, and with all his swimming, I shouldn't have a problem dropping a few more pounds from him. 94 - 95 pounds is a good weight for him.

You want to hear something funny?! A couple of people saw him and said, "Wow....he's BIG! He's gotta be a good 130 - 140 pounds!"

Thanks for listening!

[MOKASMOM]

That is great to hear that Sonny is doing great. I am glad everything turned out great. Moka 1 year TPO update is next month. I can't wait to hear. Moka is in hydrotherapy and has had 18 -20minute sessions and has gained a inch and half of muscle in each leg. 1 inch in her chest. She still walks weird. Kicks the leg out and around but isnt in any pain.

[Tank's Grandma]

Congratulations to you and to Sonny.
I know how those milestones are. We were one year in January. And they are like their own little birthdays.
And yes, it's an agonizing decision, but we each make our own, for our own reasons and our own dog, and I know I for one have never regretted it for one second. And I'm still paying the credit card bill.... But I have a pain free, limp free, running rottin' happy boy. Who can out tug Jake who is younger and outweighs him by about 7 pounds
So yeah for Sonny!!!!! And big sighs of relief for you.
Us TPO'ers will listen any time....

[SonnyRott]

Hi TPO Girls!

So nice to hear your responses since we are all in the same club! I always rush to read your posts when it has anything to do with your TPO surgeries or anything "hip". MOKASMOM is the reason I joined the board to begin with as she was looking for information and I knew what she was going through.

Sonny also has "an around then down" gait since the surgery. It does not happen when he walks or runs....just trots. I talked with the surgeon about it today and he gaited Sonny to watch this happen. It happens because the ball is now seated so tightly in the joint and surgically fastened, it leaves little "play" or flexibility. It doesn't bother him one little bit.

Hope your results are as good as mine. I can say the daily swimming in the pool has really been a huge factor in his recovery! That...and a lot of TLC!

[Tank's Grandma]

Don't know if you know, but I noticed that there is a TPO group on Yahoo. After the fact, I know, but you can always offer support to those facing the surgery...
There is comfort with those who have been there.
And I guess we got lucky with Tank, he has no hitch at all, running or trotting...you'd never know he had surgery.

[SonnyRott]

Thanks TG! I'm going to check that out.

[spoteet]

Happy to hear Sonny is doing so well

[RottiMomCT]

Yippee!!!!!!!!!! Great news!!!