Canine Hip Dysplasia

[AmazingGrace]

Hello,

Recently my 8 month old Saint Bernard was diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia. I'm looking to speak with anyone who can provide information regarding the various surgeries, costs associated, recovery time and suggested vets in Ontario or Michigan (if you were happy with the results of your pets surgery). I've done a lot of research so I know all the various types of surgeries available, but I always find personal success stories carry more value than the bare basics you can find on any website.

Please provide me with any information you have, or reply if you would like to know more on the situation I am faced with with my Saint Bernard.

Thanks so much!

[satchelp]

I think you will find the following Yahoo Group very helpful.

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/CanineHD/

[ruby2sday]

My first Alaskan Malamute had grade 5 hip dysplasia and was diagnosed shortly after she was spayed. I had pet insurance, luckily, as the surgery on both hips was $2500 back in 1993. She never had any problems after the surgery and lived to a good age of 12 1/2 years. Her surgery was done in Mississauga at a vet clinic that had specialists in bone surgery, eye surgery and skin problems etc. They did a great job! Recovery was good from both surgeries. Good Luck.

[StMac]

Just stumbled upon this forum, and have recently had my pup diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia. I was wondering about the procedure with your Grace and what has happened in the last few years. Any words of advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

[Melinda]

hi StMac, if you click on the link in the third post you'll see pics of my dog after her surgery.....and some info

[StMac]

Sorry Melinda- not finding it.

Cost for our pup is estimated around $8000- $10 000 and we were hoping to find help with this, do you know of any organizations who may aid us in this process?

Thanks again.

[BenMax]

Originally Posted by StMac

Sorry Melinda- not finding it.

Cost for our pup is estimated around $8000- $10 000 and we were hoping to find help with this, do you know of any organizations who may aid us in this process?

Thanks again.

That sounds very high! Get another quote. I have never heard of this surgery being so expensive. Here it costs approximately $2500.00 per hip. Is it because he is large that it is so high???

[rainbow]

I agree with BenMax .....$8000-$10,000 is an outrageous price. You should definitely phone a few other vets in your area and get quotes from them.

[Melinda]

http://confessionsofapetowner.blogspot.com/

sorry, here it is, and her complete surgery was 3100. which includes all the follow ups also this week she will be sedated and xrayed again to make sure the bone has healed up.

[StMac]

I too felt this was high, since I had been reading $2500 per hip. I was told $4000-5000 per hip. Since I live in Nova Scotia, the only available place for hip replacement surgeries is PEI Vet College in the Atlantic provinces. I may need to investigate Quebec and Ontario. Maine may also be a possibility.

Melinda- thank you for sharing your blog. It is helpful to see post-op photos and to hear your story as heartbreaking as it is to see the poor girl in pain. I am sure there would be a quite a difference in your dog's surgery and mine though, since Mac needs both hips replaced and is quite a bit larger than Brina, but it was comforting to hear your success!

Thank you all for your comments and advice, we are hoping for good news when we have him for a consultation at the end of the month.

P.S. If you haven't, please check out how handsome Mac is in my album. You will see why we so badly want to be able to afford this surgery!

[BaronDestructo]

Might I suggest stem cell therapy? My pug (13) suffers from hip dysplasia and arthritic joints. It got to the point where she was could barely walk and no longer squat to pee. Out of desperation, I did some online research and discovered some articles on the promising effects of stem cell therapy.

The procedure consists of drawing stem cells from the dog's belly fat, shipping it overnight to a lab where it is spun in a centrifuge and concentrated, then shipped back overnight where the concentrated cells are injected into the problem areas where they will promote bone and cartilege growth. Results have been very promising on dogs and horses (and, from what I understand, human trials in Germany).

It's pricey (about 5k) but I got great results. My gal has been more vocal and happy, resumed walking around (albeit wobbly on her hips), and can now squat when she pees.

I had the procedure done in Vancouver and used a company called Vet-Stem.