# Roxy's Hip Dysplasia Thread 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,… ## Thread In Health · started by Ryu · 43 replies - **Category:** [Health](https://nihonken.org/community/c/health) - **Forum:** [Nihon Ken Forum](https://nihonken.org/community/) ## Ryu · 2009-05-22T23:28:18.000Z 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: From Roxy HD From Roxy HD 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 :) ## KFontaine04 · 2009-05-22T23:34:27.000Z Pam, it is awesome that Roxy is home and recovering. It breaks my heart and brings me to tears to see her like this, even though I know it's the best thing for her! I know she will be brave and recover quickly! Great work with all the research! Much love to you! ## tobyshiba · 2009-05-22T23:36:21.000Z Aww, poor Roxy. :( 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. ## brada1878 (admin) · 2009-05-23T00:26:17.000Z She looks great! That is a tiny little incision. I'm glad she is home and on her way to recovery! ## brada1878 (admin) · 2009-05-23T00:26:54.000Z giver her some love from all of us over here. Hugs to you guys too. :o) ## the_november_rain · 2009-05-23T01:01:48.000Z Best Wishes on the recovery Pam. She couldn't be in better hands. Much love to Roxy. ## shimaurashibalover92 · 2009-05-23T01:26:23.000Z We're glad to hear that Roxy is back home. I hope she has a speedy recovery and wish you guys alot of luck. ## Kaddy · 2009-05-23T01:28:02.000Z Awww poor thing!!! Hopefully she'll be quick to recover :o) ## okiron · 2009-05-23T02:17:14.000Z Oh man, poor Roxy. Recover fast little girl :) How are you doing Pam? ## cmmookie · 2009-05-23T03:32:09.000Z Just wanted to leave some love for Miss Roxy. Get better soon! ## lindsayt · 2009-05-23T03:59:55.000Z Poor Roxy, so sad for her :( We are all wishing her an uneventful recovery. So glad she has such a great forever home. ## Sangmort (moderator) · 2009-05-23T04:19:04.000Z Poor Roxy girl. Glad she has such a wonderful mum & dad to care for her! To a speedy recovery! ~ ## ShikokuSpirit (moderator) · 2009-05-23T05:18:37.000Z Oh thank goodness the surgery went well. I'm super glad that she's gonna be alright. She's still young, so she should recover at a quick rate. Thanks for the update! Hugs and kisses for Miss Roxy. ## CrimsonO2 · 2009-05-23T05:44:49.000Z While my visceral reaction is to feel sorry for Roxy, I must always keep in mind that she is more fortunate that she has found a family that is willing to give her the medical attention necessary for her to live a fulfilling life. It could've been worse, you could've noticed her HD past the age for which surgery would actually be viable for her. 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 ## Leonberger (admin) · 2009-05-23T08:27:13.000Z She looks pretty knocked out. Wishing her a smooth, speedy recovery. ## Calia · 2009-05-23T10:46:32.000Z Many thoughts for a speedy recover ## Ryu · 2009-05-23T10:56:28.000Z Thanks for all the kind, encouraging words everyone! 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: From Roxy HD Walking around! 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: From Roxy HD ## brandon_w (admin) · 2009-05-23T11:42:59.000Z Ryu has serious cyborg eye in that picture. 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. ## TheWalrus · 2009-05-23T14:58:50.000Z Pam, it looks like she's doing surprisingly well. Fingers crossed for a continued excellent recovery. 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. ## ljowen123 (moderator) · 2009-05-23T23:02:56.000Z Sorry to be late posting - I'm glad she did so well in the surgery and that she's got an excellent prognosis - many hugs from the Owen clan. ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2009-05-24T00:00:41.000Z She looks fantastic for just having surgery! I'm so glad it all went well! We were praying for her. GO ROXY! She's one lucky gal. ## Saya · 2009-05-24T01:01:51.000Z She looks good for having surgery from the looks of it Roxy looks like she's doing great I'm sure she will heal well and Ryu will have his buddy to play with soon also great picture of Ryu he looks scary with those shining eyes. =) Me, my mom, and Bella sends best of wishes to Roxy and your family I look forward to see how she does. ## Romi (admin) · 2009-05-24T20:08:17.000Z Pam! I'm so happy the surgery went well! She looks like she's coping well with the recovery! Sending you guys good vibes for a speedy recovery! ## KFontaine04 · 2009-05-24T22:14:49.000Z Pam Im really glad that Roxy is getting back to herself and healing. Best of luck to all of you for a speedy recovery! ## shimaurashibalover92 · 2009-05-24T22:48:37.000Z we're sorry we didn't get to meet you at the meetup, but we're glad Roxy is doing so good. It's great that she's getting active, hopefully it'll speed up her recovery. ## Ryu · 2009-05-25T00:21:44.000Z Thanks everyone!! 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 :) ## JessicaRabbit (admin) · 2009-05-25T01:28:18.000Z Piglet was the same way after her knee surgery. The good painkillers are probably wearing off a bit. I am sure she will do great. ## tjbart17 · 2009-05-25T04:58:24.000Z Roxy is lucky to have you and Tim. What you are doing for her is amazing. ## sunyata · 2009-05-25T12:06:21.000Z Wow, I am sooooo late on this. 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. ## jadatheshiba · 2009-05-25T15:34:23.000Z I heard about Roxy at the meet in PA. I'm so sorry for what you guys are going through but I'm glad that Roxy sounds like she's on the right track and hope to meet her one day!!!!! --- **Navigate:** [Forum home](https://nihonken.org/community/?format=md) · [Sitemap](https://nihonken.org/community/sitemap.xml)