Hip replacement (animal)

Hip Replacement (Animal)

Hip replacement in animals is a surgical procedure in which a painful hip joint with arthritis is replaced with an artificial joint often made from metal and plastic components. It is usually performed when all other treatment options have failed to provide adequate pain relief. The procedure should be considered only for animals that suffer from hip pain as a result of degenerative diseases.

Indications

Hip replacement is typically used to treat severe hip dysplasia, a common skeletal condition in many dog breeds. Other indications include osteoarthritis, traumatic fractures, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

Procedure

The procedure involves the removal of the damaged hip joint and its replacement with a prosthetic one. The surgery can be performed as a total hip replacement (THR) or a femoral head ostectomy (FHO). In THR, both the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) are replaced. In FHO, the ball of the joint is removed but not replaced.

Postoperative Care

Postoperative care is crucial for the success of the surgery. This includes pain management, physical therapy, and regular follow-up visits to the veterinarian.

Complications

As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur. These may include infection, dislocation of the implant, nerve damage, and reaction to the anesthesia.

Prognosis

The prognosis for animals undergoing hip replacement is generally good, with most animals regaining near-normal to normal function of the hip joint.

See Also

• Arthritis in animals
• Veterinary surgery
• Dog health

External Links

• Veterinary Surgery: Hip Replacement in Dogs
• Veterinary Partner: Hip Dysplasia

Further Reading

• Canine Hip Dysplasia and Other Orthopedic Problems by Fred Lanting
• Advances in Veterinary Surgery by A. Simon Turner and Susan M. Stover