Triple pelvic osteotomy is a surgical procedure to treat immature dogs (usually less than 12 months of age) with hip dysplasia. The goal of the surgery is to increase the stability of the hip joint, which allows better function of the limb, and prevents the development of severe osteoarthritis. Your dog must be in good health with minimal signs of osteoarthritis to the hip joint to be a candidate for this surgery. Your dog will require a general anesthetic for the surgery. The procedure involves cutting the pelvic bone in three places and rotating it to stabilize the hip joint. The pelvis is stabilized with a bone plate, screws and wires. Antibiotics are administered for a short time to prevent infection.
Usually your dog will be partially weight bearing on the treated limb within a few days of surgery.
Because the pelvic bone is stabilized with a bone plate, your dog will feel comfortable enough to move about, and will usually become too active. Therefore the dog must be confined in a small area until we see radiographic sign of the bone healing (usually 4-6 weeks). The dog can be walked on a leash outside to urinate and defecate. Care must be taken to avoid stairs and slippery surfaces. The dog should not play with other dogs.
If your dog has bilateral disease, the second side will usually be scheduled for surgery 2 – 3 weeks after the first procedure.
A sling and/or harness may be helpful after the second surgery to help support your pet.
Your dog should steadily improve in limb function. If you do not see this, or if the dog stops using the leg please call for advice. Inspect the incisions daily.
You will need to return to your referring veterinarian in about 2 weeks after the second procedure for staple removal and in 4-8 weeks for radiographs.
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