I have a 7 month old pedigree yellow lab puppy who a month or so ago started limping - unfortunately he has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia - and I am in a dilemma as to what sort of surgery to proceed with.
We live in the North of Portugal so there is aren´t as many options avaliable as in the uk.
My vet suggested initially a Femoral Head Excision - but after researching this I am worried that this isn´t suitable for a lab due to the fact that when fully grown he will weigh over what seems to be the recomended weight limit.
My only other option is a triple pelvic Osteotomy - but I am worried about the post operational side of this - ie. the dog not being able to walk up stairs / and not get about during the recovery period etc.
I know that it is impossible for anyone to give me a firm answer without knowing Simbas exact condition - but I would really appreciate any advice from anyone whose dog has had either of these operations and as to what to expect in terms of a recovery .

You really need to speak to John, he's the 'Lab Man' and the best person on here to advise you. It may be a bit late now, but should you not hear from him within 24 hours, post a message for him. I'm sure he wouldn't mind as Labs are his breed .

Good luck

liberty

Hi,

When I was younger our dog a Newfoundland was the 1st dog in this country that had a triple pelvic osteotomy done back in 1985 at Cambridge Univirsity Vetinary shool (Camvet).
Not something to be undertaken lighhtly.The operation was sucessful the after care was hard going.To get him onto his feet to go out to the toilet we used an old sheet under his tummy to raise him up once supppoted he would take most of the weight on his other 3 feet.He was kept downstairs they are extremely sore following this proceedure and its really important not to lapse with the painkillers and get more if required ,theyre also on
antibiotics ,anti inflammatories then there is the wound that just needs watching .It did get easier but hard work didn't help as he was a Newfie a Lab should be easier to manage.

Good luck let us know how you got on.

Briony :-)

Hi,

Just reading your post again our Newfounland could hardly lift himself off the floor without alot of agony he was 9 month old time of op they found he had virtually no hip socket for the head of the femur to fit into :-( .
I would never want to see a dog in so much constant pain,but being a Newfie he took it all
never once grumbled ,the entire operation was videoed and used to help train other surgeons at other univirsities.
The surgeon was Professor John Houghton who specialised solely in Orthopaedics.

Briony :-)

Hi,

Forgot to mention like humans in bed these dogs need contant turning or change of position 2-3hrs to prevent getting sore as they are reluctant to move themselves done slowly and confidently with lots of reasurring praise.

Briony :-)

Thanks for your advice - I will keep you posted as to what I decide.
Does anyone know if it is worth giving him any health supplements such as Ester -c - or glucosamine tablets to help improve his condition ?