Orthopaedic Surgeon - Recommendations

[Vix]

Hi

One of my dogs will need a hip replacement and I'm starting to do some research on recommended surgeons and advice on the op from anyone who's dog may have had one (or similar). Can any one recommend a good specialist (I'm in QLD but would consider getting her done inter-state)

I'm also having a debate with myself about when to get the operation done. Now, when she is fit and healthy and I assume will recover faster and better; Or wait until she is having issues - the very fact that she is fit and healthy, relatively pain free makes me reluctant to put her through the surgery now in case it actually makes her more disabled?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers

Vix

[lucknow]

Sorry, can't help you with a specialist in Qld, I am in Vic and love Wing Tip Wong (not a reg specialist but he actually trains the vets going thru uni down here). With regard to when to operate, pick your surgeon (your regular vet should have a list of specialists, then ask around for personal opinions), get your dog assessed, then make a decision together.

Good Luck

[rudie]

Try the specialist centre at Underwood in Brisbane, they are very good.

http://www.vss.net.au/

Edited March 11, 2008 by rudie

[Vix]

Hi again

We have just seen a physio at UQ, and have previously seen one at the specialist centre at Springwood. Both of whom were excellent. I do actually have an appointment with a surgeon, for a chat on Friday, but as I know very little about the operation, I'd like to have a couple of opinions. Not because I have any doubts about the necessity of the op, but that I just have nothing to compare the information I get against, if that makes sense.

I'm hoping if I get a few recommendations fr the same person I'll feel a bit better

Cheers

Vix

[Kajtek]

One of my girls tore cranial cruciate ligament and has just had a TTA Transplant. The operation was done in Sydney by Dr Tony Black at the Vet Specialist Centre in North Ryde (www.vetspecialist.com.au). He was absolutely fantastic. He specialises in this and hip replacement operations. Have a look at their website. You can also google/yahoo his name and you will see that he publishes and is well respected around the world.

Hip replacement surgery is NOT cheap (~5000 per hip). If you are looking at having both hips done, you will probably have to budget close to 14-15K all up (includes physio). The recovery period is very long and you will have to crate your dog for a long periods of time.

There may be other options worth investigating. Injections of Pentosan Polysulphate (eg Cartophen/Zydax) can prevent further arthritic changes. This, combined with a daily dose of Joint Guard works wonders.

Before you ask...

1) I am in no way related to/associated with Dr Black or the vet centre

2) I do not own any pharmaceutical/vet product company (unfortunately )

The above info is based on considerable research and my recent experiences.

Good luck.

Anna

[aranyoz]

Check out this link for Qld ortho specialist

http://www.qldvetspecialists.com.au/surgery.htm

[Poodle wrangler]

I work with humans who have hip replacements and I'm not sure it's an op I'd put my dog through.

Due to the recovery, crating, time (mine) and risk of complications as well as very high cost.

I've given some thought to where I stand on this sort of thing as I suspect there's something not 100% right with my large breed dog's hips/ knees.

He's had a luxating patella on and off and corrective surgery would be around $1000 which I'd do, but it's a much less involved procedure than hip surgery. Vet is waiting to review again once he's finished growing. Hip surgery crosses the line for me.

I would be inclined to try all the non-invasive treatments like supplements, exercise (e.g. swimming), dog chiro/ physio before going for surgery.

The muscles around the hip joint can be strengthened to give a dysplastic hip better support.

Another thing with surgeons .... Asking them whether or not you should have an operation is a bit like asking a barber if you need a haircut

Just because surgery CAN be done, doesn't mean it should be.

Best wishes for whatever you decide.

[Clyde]

Another vote for Tony Black but I strongly recommend surgery done in your own state in case problems arise. Most specialists like to have post operative visits and sometimes you can go back numerous times which would be too hard interstate (for the best result anyway).

[MolassesLass]

I highly recommend Dr Richard Mitchell of North Coast Veterinary Specialists for orthopaedic matters. If you do a search here for his name you will find lots of others will too. Good luck with it all.

[Monah]

One of mine needs surgery too . There is a fantastic guy on the sunny coast, just near the deer sanctuary on the highway near Maroochydore. He suggested we wait and see with our dog although her xrays show her joint is no where near her socket, so he is not a surgeon who ever does surgery unless it is absolutely necc. and even tells you there can be many complications and it may not be better afterward than it was before etc. A huge decision. We have been swimming ours for 2 hours a day, giving joint supplements every day, previcox tabs 4 times a week, cartrophen injections etc. to give her the best chance of no surgery. will see in a couple of months. fingers crossed we may just get away with it. I highly highly reccommend this surgeon and know people who have worked with him and say he is really ethical, talented, excellent. Good lluck with your dog.

[Vix]

Thank you. This is great information. It is a really hard decision as Mikalla is only 4yrs and is actually doing very well at the moment. Both her hips were broken by her previous owner when she was about 6 months old and she spent several months on cage rest. She is on permanent metacam and has been for two years, but seems to cope well. In fact most vets are quite shocked when the see her x-rays as she is doesn't show the damage too much - mainly because she sprints around like an idiot and does everything she shouldn't in the way of jumping, twisting and chasing things!

Thanks again - I'll definitely look up these surgeons and recommendations.

Cheers

Vix