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Hip Replacement Gives Dog New Lease On Life

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May 27, 2009 12:12 pm US/Eastern

Hip Replacement Gives Dog New Lease On Life

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― Hip replacement is the second most common joint replacement in the U-S right behind knees.
 
But while most hip surgery patients are older...anybody can be a candidate.

Take "Mycroft" for example!

Mycroft, a 4-year-old Golden Retriever, had hip replacement surgery at the end of March.

Right now, he's looking pretty sad.

Last November Mycroft was having a playful rumble with his neighborhood buddies when something went wrong.

He was fast becoming a canine couch potato.

According to his owner, Scott Permar of Moon Township, "It was a pretty sudden injury where he really started limping badly."

Looking at x-Rays, Dr. John Payne, a veterinary orthopaedic surgeon observes, "So basically the ball doesn't fit in the socket anymore."

Dr. Payne, performs surgery at the "Pittsburgh Specialty and Emergency Center" on Camp Horne Road in Ohio Township.

He spotted the hip dysplasia, an inherited disease very common in larger breeds of dogs.

"It does cause progressive arthritis and pain in the hip - so these animals are in more and more pain as time goes by," said Dr. Payne.

Erin Permar says, "After looking at his x-ray we were surprised that he really hadn't shown any signs of pain before that point."

Using x-rays and computer software the surgeon creates a template to select the size of cement-less prosthesis for Mycroft.

"Everything is machined during surgery to allow the prosthesis to fit perfectly," says Dr. Payne.

During the 1-hour-and-45-minute operation that amounts to high-tech carpentry, Mycroft was given a new hip joint.

Until Dr. Payne began doing this surgery pet owners had to leave the state to get the procedure done. Still, it doesn't come cheap.

"Cha-ching! To be honest," Erin quips.

Canine hip replacement costs between $4,200-and $4,600.

"He's basically, you know, a child for us at the moment and he's taught us a lot about being parents," said Erin. "He's showing great progress so far - and we're hoping he gets back close to 100%."

Two months after surgery Mycroft is romping around the yard like a puppy!!

Erin couldn't be happier, "He's basically back to his normal self. The doctor said it looked absolutely perfect as could be."

Mycroft's bone is actually growing into the prosthesis.

The incision scar has almost disappeared, and soon he'll be volunteering as a certified therapy dog visiting hospitals and assisted living centers.

Mycroft, the bionic dog, is feeling his oats and has a pending play date with the Lab and the Newfoundland down the block.

Was it all worth it?

Says, Erin, "Absolutely, absolutely!

Mycroft barks in agreement!

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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