Hip Dysplasia

In February of 2011 I noticed Bailey limping after long periods of time when she played, ran after tennis ball, hiking, etc. I had contacted vet who was not able to see the limp while she was walking, during that time Bailey had hit her foot and dislocated nail on her right hind leg, nail fell off within a week and two weeks later she had a new nail. Vet and I both decided limp was due to toe injury and I was given mild pain meds which I gave Bailey for 11 days during that time no limp was noticed. Week later she was back to slight limp, it was actually unnoticeable to most people, you would have to watch her and her weight placement on her hind legs. We went to a different vet in March and even thought this vet did not see her limping either I insisted on x-rays.

Results were shocking. My vet called and asked me to come in for consultation (something you never want to hear from a vet)

Close up.

After initial shock and tears, and thinking the world had ended...I posted her results on pedigree database website...received support and assurance that these are not the worst hips in the world.

http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/german_shepherd_dog/bulletins.read?mnr=472907



Her right hip has severe hip dysplasia, I was referred to ortho specialist who suggested FHO (femoral head and neck excision) I found most useful information and post surgery images on this web site.
http://www.vetsurgerycentral.com/fho.htm

Other options were pain meds for the rest of her life or total hip replacement.
I had made a decision for FHO and scheduled surgery for May 25th, 2011.

I had done a lot of research and found tons of horror stories....however one story by Laurel had me convinced and I read and re-read her blogs and story of Jake more than once...
http://laurelsdogs.com/


After all the research I hoped for the best and prepared for the worst...surgery is tomorrow...ehhhhh.