Although I haven't got a definite diagnosis yet my 10 mth old newfie's hips are definitely a problem. From reading all I can on internet (mostly info from America) triple pelvic osteotomy, as long as no arthritis and dog under a year seems to be a really good option and apparently has high rate of success. My vet, however (in England) not keen at all and says no operation would be a good idea before the age of 12 mths (contrary to info on internet). Has anyone personal experience of either a TPO or total hip replacement in a large breed, preferably in England? and should I insist on a second opinion at a Specialist Orthopaedic Practice. One of the partners of my vets practice apparently has an interest in orthopaedics and carries out the total hip replacements, which kind of makes me worried thats the reason they dont recommend the TPO. Any advice anyone?

Hi Guest, yes I would go for a second opinion from an orthapeodic specialist, not someone who only has an interest in it. Get a referal to a university teaching hospital. Someone else on here will be able to give you the name of a good one in the UK or you could try to find one on *google*.
Christine2

Hi Guest,

I know nothing about this procedure but would his growth affect the results. I would have thought it might be best if his bones were at their full size if a hip replacement is required?

Christine

im going through the same problem with my seven month rottweiler iv seen a specialist and he has told me practicly the same about tpo ops. he adviced me against the op saying 80% of cases get better and as shes a young dog told me to wait 6 months to see if the condition has got any worse. The only problem is that if they develop artheritis they cant do the op so its a shall i shant i situation (she is only suffering with mild hd) but fingers crossed she wont get any worse.
he also told me this was a good age to do it but i think most vets you see will have a different oppinion.

Hi, My Gordon was diagnosed with HD at 11 mnths, it is quiet a bad case, she could hardly walk when 1st diagnosed. My vet said that an op could do more harm than good so we should wait and see. She was already on rymidyl for another problem, but I didn't want her on them for good. She was started on Synoqin(high strength glucosamine and chondrotin) and the results were amazing. We gradually weaned her of Rymidyl and increased her exersize and now at 14 mnths she is totally of the pain killers (although will have to stay on synoquin 4 the rest of her life) and has the same amount of excersize as my young springer.You can still tell she has a hip problem but we are even hoping to do agility with her, not bad for a dog who could hardly walk 3 mnths ago! From my experience I would wait. just my opinion.