TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT RECOVERY


This is information my vet gave to me. Check with your vet to see if your dog's recovery is different. Every dog is different. Your dog may have different requirements, this is simply an example of one dog's recovery guidelines

Day 1-5 : Ice pack if the dog will tolerate it


Week 0-2 (prior to suture removal): massage along back and thigh, not the incision


After suture removal - gently massage incision to keep excessive scar tissue from forming.


Week 1-6(or 8 depending on the dog): bone and joint capsule are healing - very limited activity. Inside on carpeted surfaces under supervision. Walks only to backyard on short leash to eliminate. When you are gone, confined, preferably a crate


Weeks 6-9 (or 8-11 depending on the dog) take dog on progressively longer walks on short leash. Begin with one block and monitor dog's response. Watch for swelling, stiffness or limping. Stay with that distance. If dog does well. double the distance and monitor response. Double distance every few days. If there is soreness, go back to prior distance. Several short walks a day are better than one long walk.


Weeks 9-12 (or 11-14) walks on a longer lead to allow dog to trot. Start walking up and down stairs and inclines. Walk dog in circles and firgure eights to improve propriocention, the sense of position in space. Have the dog go from sit to stand ten times, 2 times a day to strengthen thigh.


Weeks 12-15 (or 15-18) more acitivity off leash, but watch dog to make she he isn't doing any activity without regard for his body. Tug of war is a good acitivity, as is dancing with your dog.


After - vet does final check up to return dog to normal activty.

TRIPLE PELVIC OSTEOTOMY...To Come

FEMORAL HEAD OSTECTOMY... To Come

DARTHROPLASTY... TO Come

OTHERS...To come