Edinger Surgical Options provides multiple options for the treatment of canine hip dysplasia, including femoral head ostectomy (FHO), femoral head and neck excision (FHNE), and total hip replacements (THR).
Our veterinary surgeons are the best choice for total hip replacements for dogs in Madison, WI and throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota. Referring veterinarians and dog owners throughout the Midwest trust the expertise and care we provide to each individual dog.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a term used to describe an abnormal hip joint in which there is laxity (looseness) between the femoral head and the acetabulum (cup). This developmental abnormality typically leads to secondary changes of the joint including thickening of the joint capsule, flattening of the femoral head, and osteoarthritis of the joint. Some dogs can lead normal lives with hip dysplasia and the secondary osteoarthritic changes caused by it. Other dogs will become lame at a young age from the joint pain. Lameness in mature dogs is typically due to bone-on-bone contact caused by chronic, severe osteoarthritis. Hip dysplasia can happen in any breed, but it is most common in Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepards, and Newfoundlands.
Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO, FHNE)
This surgery is usually performed after osteoarthritis has become so severe that it makes the patient constantly uncomfortable. It is the osteoarthritis and bone-on-bone contact between the femoral head and acetabulum that results in pain. This procedure consists of removing the head and neck of the femur (thigh bone). The limb then becomes reliant on muscles and the formation of a fibrous joint for support. Patients undergoing an FHO will not have the function of a normal hip and can be mildly to moderately limited in their performance. However, it significantly reduces or eliminates joint pain and results in notably improved rear limb function.
Total Hip Replacement (THR)
Total hip replacements for dogs result in a functionally normal hip and are performed when hip osteoarthritis limits a dog’s comfort and activity. The procedure consists of removing the existing, degenerative acetabulum and femoral head and replacing them with prostheses. The acetabulum and femoral head and neck are replaced with artificial components. These implants are secured in place either biologically or with bone cement. The result is a fully functional, pain-free prosthetic joint.
Edinger Surgical Options is the best choice for canine total hip replacement because of our expertise, experience, and state-of-the-art facilities . The ESO surgical team utilizes in-house CT scanning and 3D printing for precise planning and bone repair. Our patients recover quicker with our RECOVERY STAY™ round-the-clock care and rehabilitation after surgery.
Note: Edinger Surgical Options does not offer juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) because the procedure is not beneficial. We rarely perform pelvic osteotomy because of the risk of significant progression of osteoarthritis after the surgery.