Total hip replacement restores quality of life for dog with hip dysplasia

In 2021, Keri Sheldon noticed that her golden retriever-poodle mix puppy, Andy, was not acting like a normal dog. He was guarded around other dogs and would not behave normally, which raised her concerns. Then, after a mishap while playing, Andy started whimpering, so Sheldon and her partner, Keith Fenech, brought him to their veterinarian. After x-rays, the veterinarian diagnosed Andy with hip dysplasia.

Over the years, Andy only needed to be monitored, but his disease grew progressively worse and the drugs used to control pain associated with inflammation and osteoarthritis were no longer helping. By 3 years old, Andy needed the intervention of orthopedic specialists, and his veterinarian recommended his owners bring him to the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH).¹

According to the release, it became clear to the veterinary team at VMTH that Andy's hip would eventually fail and he would need surgery. However, it was not an immediate necessity, so Barbro Filliquist, DVM, DACVS-SA, DECVS, discussed the following options with Sheldon and Fenech¹:

• Continued management of his condition
• A femoral head osteotomy (FHO) surgery

• A total hip replacement (THR) surgery

At the time, they decided to manage his condition but agreed that the THR would be the surgery they wanted for Andy when the time came. Ten months later, Andy became lamer on the left side of his body and his discomfort grew to the point where he would not let anyone touch his hindquarters.

Sheldon and Fenech brought him back to VMTH in June 2025, and after another round of x-rays, the team found a moderate amount of hip arthritis and severe left hip dysplasia with luxation (dislocation of the joint).

"We knew the total hip replacement was going to be the best, longest-lasting option," said Fenech.¹ "Our goal was to give Andy the top quality of life we could provide. He's my best friend."

A month later, Andy received a CT scan so that Filliquist could gain a better understanding of his condition and aid in planning his surgery. Andy was determined to be in good health and deemed a strong surgical candidate. Two months later, Andy underwent surgery and received his total hip replacement.

"A biological total hip replacement system was used to replace the two parts of the hip joint — the femoral head and acetabulum — with metal implants. The implants were made of titanium, cobalt-chromium, and a polyethylene liner, with sizes based on Andy's bones," the release stated.¹

Andy's post-operative x-rays showed appropriate orientation and positioning of the stem and cup. He was hospitalized for six days and began receiving pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs immediately following surgery.¹ Andy also received medication to keep him calm and minimize sudden movements. He initially experienced weakness in the surgical limb, but began bearing weight more and more as his strength improved. By the end of the week, Andy was ready to go home.

Activity was strictly limited until his 3-month recheck appointment. He was confined at all times except for short, leashed bathroom breaks and was not permitted to engage in any off-leash activities, such as playing with other dogs or jumping. Any excessive activity could have jeopardized his healing process and potentially required additional surgery.

Andy's new hip was stable at his 3-month recheck appointment, and he was cleared for a gradual increase in leashed walks and unrestricted movement within the house. He was not yet cleared for high-impact activities, however, until his next recheck. Andy continued to recover successfully, and at his 6-month recheck appointment, Filliquist was pleased to see that his hip's cup and stem remained stable with bone ingrowth.

Andy has since returned to his normal life and is a happier, pain-free dog.

"He's a different dog now," Fenech concluded. "He lets us pet him on his rear now and lets us brush and massage there. He doesn't worry about it anymore, so we know it's fully healed. The surgery has taken his pain away completely."

Reference

Warren R. Total Hip Replacement Gives Dog Pain Free, Happy Lifestyle. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Published April 27, 2026. Accessed April 28, 2026. https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/total-hip-replacement-gives-dog-pain-free-happy-lifestyle