Need feedback on total hip replacement... - Labrador Retriever Dogs Chat Forum Board - Dogs, Puppies, Photos, Training, Pictures, Rescue Forums

11-01-2009, 08:30 AM

My 10yr old lab has been getting progressively worse with his hips. Walking up stairs is very slow and looks painful. He has fallen down the stairs a few times. He tends to drag his rear paws on the ground as he walks. It's a struggle to get up off the ground and start walking.

My question is, can total hip replacement surgery fix all of this? I consider 10yrs old to be a good, old age...I wish he could make it another 3-4 years. Can this surgery give him another 3-4 years of quality life?

I have always had German shepards growing up, and all of them were 'put down' in their 12-13th year due to their hips 'going out' on them. If this surgery eliminates the hip issue, shouldn't they live much longer? How much longer will these new hips last?

Thanks for the help!

SweetLabs · 11-01-2009, 09:27 AM

I unfortunately don't have the answers you're looking for. Have you spoken to your vet about what can be done for your pup? Has he been diagnosed with arthritis?

Random Gemini · 11-01-2009, 10:02 AM

You know... that's a personal decision...

I think if you talk to your vet and you look at the results of your dog's blood work and your vet feels confident that he will be able to make it through this surgery and make a FULL recovery... and it will give him excellent quality of life for 3 or 4 years... it's probably worth it... but you should discuss that with your vet at length.

bett · 11-01-2009, 10:08 AM

just curious if your vet ever discussed this, as his feet are dragging.

nicosmom · 11-01-2009, 12:33 PM

As far as total hip replacement, I've never had that done (my HD dog was not a good candidate so he had FHE) but I've heard good things from people who have had this for their dog. It is pricey but if you can afford it AND your vet recommends it, I would go for it.

BUT - you do need to have it checked out because of the feet dragging and make sure that is not due to a spinal cord problem.

capsmom · 11-19-2009, 05:39 AM

I agree with having him checked out for a spinal cord problem. I had a GSD that had that problem and the dragging of the back feet for the first symptom

11-01-2009, 08:30 AM	#1
joro37 Guest Posts: n/a	Need feedback on total hip replacement... My 10yr old lab has been getting progressively worse with his hips. Walking up stairs is very slow and looks painful. He has fallen down the stairs a few times. He tends to drag his rear paws on the ground as he walks. It's a struggle to get up off the ground and start walking. My question is, can total hip replacement surgery fix all of this? I consider 10yrs old to be a good, old age...I wish he could make it another 3-4 years. Can this surgery give him another 3-4 years of quality life? I have always had German shepards growing up, and all of them were 'put down' in their 12-13th year due to their hips 'going out' on them. If this surgery eliminates the hip issue, shouldn't they live much longer? How much longer will these new hips last? Thanks for the help!

11-01-2009, 09:27 AM	#2
SweetLabs Retriever Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: PA Posts: 344	I unfortunately don't have the answers you're looking for. Have you spoken to your vet about what can be done for your pup? Has he been diagnosed with arthritis? __________________ Mom to: Blue ~ Gotcha 10/24/2009 A house is not a home, without the pitter-patter of doggy feet

11-01-2009, 10:02 AM	#3
Random Gemini Missing my Wagador. Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington. Posts: 3,654 My Mood:	You know... that's a personal decision... I think if you talk to your vet and you look at the results of your dog's blood work and your vet feels confident that he will be able to make it through this surgery and make a FULL recovery... and it will give him excellent quality of life for 3 or 4 years... it's probably worth it... but you should discuss that with your vet at length. __________________ Stacy and Mugen: Chocolate Mr. Puppy Man Born: 6-5-09 Lucy: Yellow Miss Lucy Girl. Gotcha: 11-02-09 2010 Book Count: 11/50 Random Gemini's Blog Twitter! Facebook

11-01-2009, 10:08 AM	#4
bett Senior Dog Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: baldwin long island new york Posts: 18,422 My Mood:	just curious if your vet ever discussed this, as his feet are dragging. __________________ betty

11-19-2009, 05:39 AM	#6
capsmom Retriever Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: navarre beach florida Posts: 267	I agree with having him checked out for a spinal cord problem. I had a GSD that had that problem and the dragging of the back feet for the first symptom __________________

11-01-2009, 12:33 PM	#5
nicosmom Adult Retriever Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Cheyenne, WY Posts: 458	As far as total hip replacement, I've never had that done (my HD dog was not a good candidate so he had FHE) but I've heard good things from people who have had this for their dog. It is pricey but if you can afford it AND your vet recommends it, I would go for it. BUT - you do need to have it checked out because of the feet dragging and make sure that is not due to a spinal cord problem.

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