Roxy's Hip Dysplasia Thread (7 week post-op appt)
Hello everyone!
I haven't been posting much about Roxy because we've been going through a roller coaster of emotions lately. I wanted to wait until I could "objectively" talk about her surgery and recovery without completely breaking down.
A couple of months ago, when Roxy was around 7 months old, we noticed a slight popping noise whenever she would get up from a lying down position. We knew that she probably had a higher risk of LP and joint pain, given her bad breeding background (she is a puppy mill rescue) so we start supplementing her diet with Glucosamine tablets early.
A month ago, we noticed that she would hesitate to use her back legs when getting up. After watching her try to pull her entire body up using only her front legs, we decided to get some x-rays done. On April 29th, she was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia in both hips as well as bad knees.
Here is a video of her lack of mobility (watch for the last 2 seconds):
We got a few options from the vet and after numerous discussions among ourselves, the vet, the surgeon, and the orthopedic specialist, we all agreed to do a "FHO" surgery (Femoral Head and Neck Excision). Basically, to remove the part of the femoral head that is rubbing against her pelvic bone. Once the grinding motion is eliminated, her body will form a false joint and she will be near 100% mobility. Since both of her hips are in terrible shape, this will be a long ordeal. We can only operate on one hip at a time and wait for that hip to fully recover before moving on to the next. And then we have to take care of her knees.
Today, Roxy went in for the first surgery (FHO on her right hip). The surgery went smoothly and she's back home, knocked out from her pain meds.
Here she is, confined to her ex-pen to keep Ryu from pestering her:
We have instructions from the vet to keep her inactive tonight but starting tomorrow, she will need to start using her right leg. The faster she touches it to the ground and uses it, the faster she will recover. So far, she has gotten up once and touched her paw a few times but she's still very sedated. She's such a brave little girl.
We are SO relieved that the surgery went perfectly and that she is expected to make a quick recovery. I'm also extremely pleased that so many forum folks are being proactive about checking for HD, as it is now showing up in Shibas more often. Though I hate that Roxy is having to go through this, I'm glad that she is now recovering in her forever home, and not stuck in the puppy mill cycle with so much pain.
I'll update this thread as we go through recovery - it's going to be a long road but we are looking at the rainbow at the end of the journey
I haven't been posting much about Roxy because we've been going through a roller coaster of emotions lately. I wanted to wait until I could "objectively" talk about her surgery and recovery without completely breaking down.
A couple of months ago, when Roxy was around 7 months old, we noticed a slight popping noise whenever she would get up from a lying down position. We knew that she probably had a higher risk of LP and joint pain, given her bad breeding background (she is a puppy mill rescue) so we start supplementing her diet with Glucosamine tablets early.
A month ago, we noticed that she would hesitate to use her back legs when getting up. After watching her try to pull her entire body up using only her front legs, we decided to get some x-rays done. On April 29th, she was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia in both hips as well as bad knees.
Here is a video of her lack of mobility (watch for the last 2 seconds):
We got a few options from the vet and after numerous discussions among ourselves, the vet, the surgeon, and the orthopedic specialist, we all agreed to do a "FHO" surgery (Femoral Head and Neck Excision). Basically, to remove the part of the femoral head that is rubbing against her pelvic bone. Once the grinding motion is eliminated, her body will form a false joint and she will be near 100% mobility. Since both of her hips are in terrible shape, this will be a long ordeal. We can only operate on one hip at a time and wait for that hip to fully recover before moving on to the next. And then we have to take care of her knees.
Today, Roxy went in for the first surgery (FHO on her right hip). The surgery went smoothly and she's back home, knocked out from her pain meds.
Here she is, confined to her ex-pen to keep Ryu from pestering her:
 |
| From Roxy HD |
 |
| From Roxy HD |
We are SO relieved that the surgery went perfectly and that she is expected to make a quick recovery. I'm also extremely pleased that so many forum folks are being proactive about checking for HD, as it is now showing up in Shibas more often. Though I hate that Roxy is having to go through this, I'm glad that she is now recovering in her forever home, and not stuck in the puppy mill cycle with so much pain.
I'll update this thread as we go through recovery - it's going to be a long road but we are looking at the rainbow at the end of the journey
Comments
Much love to you!
Its a good thing you caught it just in time. She must've really been in a lot of pain.
Hoping for a speedy recovery for her.
How are you doing Pam?
To a speedy recovery! ~
She's still young, so she should recover at a quick rate.
Thanks for the update! Hugs and kisses for Miss Roxy.
So, to that end, I celebrate Roxy in finding a loving home from both you and Tim, and I will continue to keep positive thoughts for her throughout her recovery period. Frankly I'm amazed that your vet recommends she use her leg as fast as possible. Dogs must have remarkable healing to be able to put pressure on a leg 24 hours after a surgery.
Jesse
Wishing her a smooth, speedy recovery.
Brad: I thought the incision would be much wider and much longer. I'm glad they used as small of an incision as possible. Also, she hasn't paid much attention to it either so hopefully we won't need an e-collar (she didn't need one at all during her spay recovery)
Rina: I'm alright. I cried a little last night when she couldn't get comfortable and would whine unless I lied down next to her in her ex-pen. Apparently, she slept most of the night though and only whined a little. I keep reminding myself that she'll be so happy next year when all this is behind her.
Update:
Roxy is amazing. Simply amazing. This morning, Ryu started barking at 6 am. Which is not his usual style so we go in to let them out. Sure enough, Roxy has chewed her way out of the ex-pen (LOL) and is walking around the room (Ryu is in his crate). Much to our surprise and delight, Roxy resumes her normal morning greeting - flat ears, dances in circles and tries to find the nearest toy (today, it was a tennis ball). We laughed and laughed as she seemed to be as "Roxy" as she could be. We took her outside to see if she would potty (no dice) and let her roam around.
Here is a pic and video:
When we got back inside, she whined a little because she couldn't jump on her favorite chair but is now sleeping soundly next to it
Ryu is not happy that his playmate is out of commission. Here he is, whining that he's on the OTHER side of the gate:
Roxy is looking great. Good to hear that the surgery went so well. Can't wait to meet her next month and throw her some treats from across the room since she probably wont want to be by the big scary stranger.
I know it must be hard on you and TIm to be going through this. Haru and I send a big hug from Japan for you all.
Me, my mom, and Bella sends best of wishes to Roxy and your family I look forward to see how she does.
Roxy is a little less active today and her appetite is pretty much non-existent. It was a rainy day today so she spent most of the time in her crate. I also noticed that when she would walk today, she used her right leg far less than yesterday. We think she's just an extra sore and stiff today and will see how she does tomorrow. So far, we still have high hopes
Brandon: I am SO excited for you to visit in June - Ryu will absolutely trample you but he does with love, I promise! Roxy will probably be a little wary but she's been doing VERY well with strangers lately
But good luck to Miss Roxy on a speedy and full recovery. She looks like she is doing well. And she is in such great hands.
Give her some love for us.
----