Our 7 Year Aussie/Blue Heeler Mix started having trouble getting up around mother's day weekend. Scheduled a vet appointment and had xrays taken. It showed the right hip subluxation with osteoarthritis (hip dysplasia). We got a referral to the Blue Pearl here in SA for a total hip replacement.

The bill is going to be steep, but I have pet insurance that I think will cover a little under half and we make enough money to cover the rest. Recovery time is 10 weeks. We have 2 kids under 4, so this will be the biggest challenge.

My questions are:

1) Has anyone here had this kind of surgery done? If so, did your dog show a substantial improvement in their quality of life?

2) Did your dog's temperament change after a surgery like this? Obviously having small children, this is a concern that I want to be aware of post recovery.

Prior to this, dog has had no health issues, craved activity and has loved our kids.

Appreciate any advice from vets or others with similar experiences. Anyone else with a smartass comment about how paying this much for a dog isn't worth it, don't bother typing.

My parent Aussie/Healer mix was neutered around 5 or 6. He was very aggressive after that. Honestly he started before that with certain other dogs, he had a tumor removed also. i guess they thought the cut job would calm him down. They put him down the first time he snipped at my kid. Never even told me they did it till I came over and asked where the dog was. That can be and aggressive mix/breed with age. My grandparents had one also had to put it down later in life for snipping at people. Be careful you are right to be a little concerned based on that breed.

I think you and the dog both will be very happy post surgery.

I've never had a dog change behavior from a procedure. Keep in mind they tolerate pain differently than we do and express it differently so it is difficult to tell if a procedure resulted in more or less discomfort.

I did have one collie get really grumbly and grouchy when she got bit of the muzzle by a copperhead and was in obvious intense pain, but she was fine and her old self once that went away. I'd say if the procedure his a good prognosis you aren't likely to notice any difference that isn't an improvement also.

I'm a veterianry orthopedic surgeon at the small animal hospital at A&M. Total joint replacement happens to be one of my areas of expertise. Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions. We perform many total hip replacements, and also do knee, elbow, and ankle replacements. Working on a custom knee replacement (designed and fabricated specifically to fit one patient) for a client flying in from the east coast later this summer.

The short answer to your question is that if all goes well with surgery and recovery, it is a life changing experience for the dog or cat (yes, we do a handful of hip replacements in cats). Complete elimination of pain, full function, and an implant that will last the lifetime of your pet. There is a 3-8% chance of major complication requiring additional surgery or implant removal. That complication rate depends on a variety of factors that are sometimes out of our control, but also driven by surgeon and support team experience.

Happy to visit offline if you'd like to ask more specific questions.

Best of luck!

Such a great post. You dr_boogs, are a blessing to the OB. I wish I would have known what your veterinary specialty is.
We have taken our German Shepherds (3) to Aggieland years back. Also took a horse to the large animal clinic.
They all were made well when we had lost hope.
Bless you and the Vet School.

Thank you, dr_boogs. I'll be messaging you offline. Poor boy has had an extra hard time walking this weekend. Our work up is on Friday. We feel very confident in the team at Blue Pearl. More concerned about how we can support the post op at home.

I would also make sure that your pet is checked for cruciate disease as well. Probably already done, but I would make sure since if it is not addressed, lameness will persist.

Shout out to the vet school for the recent work on. K9 cop from Waco who was shot by a dirt bag being arrested. Credit in local news and social media was given to our vet school/hospital for their great work on the animal. Dr Boogs if you helped with his , job well done !!

That's our group, but I was not on clinical service this past week. Working on research projects and rehearsing for a big total knee and elbow week this coming week.