Total Hip Replacement
What is Total Hip Replacement?
A Total Hip Replacement (THR) is reserved for animals that have painful conditions of the hip joint that have proved poorly responsive to conventional management using pain relief and rehabilitation.
Dogs with advanced osteoarthritis or dysplasia of the hip joint may in some cases benefit from replacement of the hip joint. Total hip replacement is an advanced surgical procedure and should only be performed by experienced orthopaedic surgeons. Total hip replacement is considered a routine surgical procedure performed by our orthopaedic surgeons based on tried and tested implants.
A bilateral BFX system hip replacement demonstrating the implant components – an acetabular , femoral head and femoral stem.
What does THR Surgery involve?
Currently we are one of a few practices in Australia able to provide THR surgery routinely and we offer a number of different types of hip replacement prostheses.
THR involves replacing the entire hip joint surface.
The procedure involves removing the femoral head from the top of the femur, also referred to as the ‘ball,’ and replacing it with a metal ball (cobalt chrome). The acetabulum of the pelvis, also known as the ‘socket’ is resurfaced using a ‘cup’ implant to provide a seat for the new femoral head to sit in. The implants can be attached to the bone using bone cement, or may have a porous coating into which the bone can grow. To perform surgery, a vast surgical team is required.
Who needs a THR?
Patients with painful hip disease which is non-responsive to medical therapy. This can be due to hip dysplasia causing arthritis, recurrent dislocations (luxation), fractures, developmental disorders and failed Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) procedures.
Our surgeons will need to evaluate your pet fully prior to considering them a suitable candidate. We will also need to talk through the potential risk and benefits prior to deciding to proceed.
This procedure is available in all size pets, including cats. We have invested heavily (in equipment, training and expertise) to enable us to operate on Chihuahuas, cats, all the way through to a Great Dane.
The tiny size of implants available for even the smallest of patients
What about cats?
We are experienced and able to offer THR’s for all size animals, including cats.
Mischa underwent THR for management of a hip fracture
What is the cost of THR?
We offer a fixed cost for a single uncomplicated hip replacement. The cost includes, surgery, hospitalisation and routine follow up appointments (2 and 8 week reviews, including radiographs). Consultation and pre-operative calibrated planning radiographs are in addition to this. Please contact us to get up to date pricing.
Who performs the surgery?
As this is an act of veterinary surgery, only a veterinary surgeon can perform this. However, this is considered a specialist procedure and as such only certain vets will undertake this technique. This is a technically very demanding procedure and should only be performed by experienced and ideally specialist orthopaedic surgeons.
At QVS, Dr Beierer and Dr Pearson perform this surgery at our Stafford and our Sunshine Coast hospitals. We are delighted to now be able to offer this level of expertise and experience with our two specialist surgeons performing this complex procedure at two seperate locations.
Experience counts
Are there different types of THR?
There are two main classes of THR technique, those using bone cement (cemented) and those that rely on other means of fixation (cementless). Different manufactures have developed numerous systems for performing veterinary THR. At Queensland Veterinary Specialists we use the BioMedtrix THR system. This product has been on the market since 1990 and is the most widely studied. Currently, there is no scientific consensus as to which is the favoured technique, cemented or cementless. We have the availability to perform both techniques, and which is used is decided on a case-by-case basis.
A BFX ‘lateral bolt’ femoral implant, utilised
A BFX ‘lateral bolt’ femoral implant, utilised
A cemented CFX femoral implant with a BFX acetabular cup. This is termed a ‘hybrid’ replacement.
Does my pet need both hips treated?
Although the disease may be present in both hip joints, some patients will only require the procedure performed in one joint to significantly improve their quality of life. Others will need both hips replaced, but this will be discussed at the time of consultation.
What is the outcome after THR?
This can be a life changing procedure, bringing comfort and improved mobility in many patients. The success rate for THR is approximately 90%, and most patients are more comfortable within a few days to weeks of surgery. We expect most patients to return to full activity assuming there are no complications.
Rosie underwent a THR in 2018. She made a superb recovery. Her parents wanted to share this video as an opportunity to demonstrate to other pet owners the life changing surgery that is THR.
What are the potential complications with Total Hip Replacement?
The major complications encountered with THR are dislocation of the hip joint in the post-operative period, fracture, implant loosening or infection. Infection is a rare but potentially devastating complication of any surgical procedure, and we take every possible precaution to try and prevent the patient developing an infection. The risk of loosening is also rare.
What is the typical recovery after Total Hip Replacement?
Careful rehabilitation after THR is the key to success and it is vital that patients who undergo this surgery are managed diligently for the first 14 days after surgery to prevent damage to the operated hip. Exercise is progressively increased until off-lead exercise by approximately 6-12 weeks.
Patients will remain hospitalised for between 1-3 days post operatively depending on comfort, mobility and temperament. Once they are ready for home management, a dedicated rehabilitation and activity plan will be put in place.
Key elements of home management during the first 6 weeks include:
Room or cage confinement during unsupervised periods
Non slip flooring
Leash controlled walking activity
Are there alternatives to THR?
There may be certain situations where THR is not a viable option such as for financial reasons or variations in individual anatomy that preclude THR. In this case, Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) could be pursued. This procedure involves removal of the hip joint and a false hip joint is allowed to develop from scar tissue. Most patients undergoing this procedure will be left with a limp or gait abnormality but pain relief is usually satisfactory to improve the quality of life. Physical therapy (hydrotherapy and physiotherapy) can help maximise limb function for these patients.
An example of an FHO hip (left side) and a very dysplastic opposite hip before THR surgery.
The above example after a hip replacement whilst the FHO side can be seen with significant distortion of the joint.
I would like to know more - what's the next step?
We recommend making an appointment with either:
Dr Lucas Beierer, Stafford Hospital – 3359 0777
Dr Tim Pearson, Sunshine Coast – 5436 1500
If you are not local to Brisbane, we are happy to discuss eligible cases over the phone as a preliminary step. Having a copy of your pets medical history submitted to the hospital in advance of this phone call is recommended.
If you have concerns for your pet in connection to this condition we recommend discussing it with your primary care vet in the first instance, or get in touch with our team for more info.
If you need urgent medical help, contact our 24 hour Pet Emergency team at Stafford, North Lakes, or Sunshine Coast on 1300 QLD VET (1300 753 838)