Management Plan

Our management plan for Jocelyn is based on multiple factors, including the 
stage of 
JocelynÕs problem, her age and general health, her life expectancy, the clientÕs 
situation, 
and the prognosis.  Our recommendation is triple pelvic osteotomy.  While 
Jocelyn has 
moderate to severe hip dysplasia, she is a very young animal and has very little 
osteoarthritis yet; therefore, her prognosis with this procedure is excellent, 
especially 
given that it is intended to prevent the development of arthritis.  The ideal 
candidate is 
usually 6-9 months of age.  (This is in contrast to the indications for a total 
hip 
replacement, in that this procedure is not recommended for young animals.)  The 
triple 
pelvic osteotomy procedure entails osteotomies of the ilium, ischium, and pubis, 
which 
creates a free-floating segment of the hemipelvis that includes the acetabulum.  
This 
piece is rotated and reattached to the pelvis using a plate or a pre-angled 
Slocum plate.  
The plate is placed across the ilial osteotomy site.  

It is recommended that only one hip be done at a time in order to reduce the 
risk of 
complications.  The second operation is done 3-5 weeks after the first, after 
the dog has 
begun using the first limb repaired.  

It is essential that Jocelyn be kept restrained during the healing period from 
the first 
operation until 7-8 weeks after the second operation.  This means confinement to 
a home 
or kennel, short leash walks only, no running, no jumping, and no contact with 
other 
dogs.  Given the resources and commitment of JocelynÕs owners, we do not 
anticipate 
that this would present a difficulty.  

The cost of the procedure is approximately $2000-2400 per hip, but can be 
higher.  
Again, JocelynÕs owners are committed to the optimal treatment regimen for a 
positive 
outcome for Jocelyn.