Trying to find out as much as I can about the triple osteotomy procedure.
I may have to have this done to my 9mth gsd and was wondering if there
is anyone out there that has gone through it with their dog.

Hi Kathleen

You need to do a Google search on Triple Pelvic Osteotomy - there's a lot of information out there.

Try this for starters
http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/vmth/clientinfo/info/tpofaq.shtml

All I know personally is that it's a pretty major procedure that can be very successful, but try all other options first.

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

Thanks Jo for the information. I've printed away and i have some good data. We are of in 2 weeks to go and see the specialist and hopefully i will understand abit more on whats going on and whats going to happen next.

Jo
I'm really curious as to what are "the other options"? My 8 mo. golden is scheduled to have TPO on Dec 2. My husband and I feel convinced by the surgeons/vets that this is the best choice. They talk of major hip problems ahead of us if we don't do this now. I'm assuming you know that the window for this type of surgery is small--usually must be done before the dog is 1 year old. We're afraid to not do it, but can't believe he has to go through this now. He is showing no signs of pain. We wouldn't have known that he had HD if our vet hadn't taken the xrays when she neutered him. Any advice you can give, as soon as you can give it, would be appreciated.
Melissa

Hi Melissa, I cant get my head round the bit " usually must be done before they are a year old" Dogs are not normally x rayed till after a year old to see if their hips are good or not.

Have to agree, the reason that the hip scheme has the lowest age set at 1 year is for the bones to become formed. In USA they won't give a final analysis until two, but will give a preliminary opinion at 1 year.

If he is not exhibiting any pain, then perhaps his developing muscles will keep him this way. Many severely dysplastic dogs cope with the condition if their muscles are kept firm, byt frequent short amounts of steady excersise. For example 4 fifteen minute walks steadily on leadinstead of an hour running around.

If your are having second thoughts or doubts, I would ask for a second opinion. You are entitled to one, and the vets shouldn't take umbrage, as this is a serious ireversible step.

I would ask for a second opinion too, heard a story about a pup of a giant breed x-rayed by vet who said hips were terrible. Friend of owner knew me and told them about orthopaedic specialist I had been to. They asked for a referal and were told that hips while not fabulous were in no way as bad as the doom the vet was prophesying, so it does pay to check sometimes. It was my vet who told me he was referring me to specialist as he felt he was better able to advise me.
Hope things turn out to be better than you think
Anne