PET OF THE MONTH

Jake

Jake is a 1.5-year-old Doberman/Shepherd.

Jake has been coming to OMVS since he was a little puppy. His owner Vicki was very happy to have a new addition to the family, and to have a little brother for her 3.5yr Yellow Lab “”Willie”.

In November of 2007 Vicki noticed that Jake seemed to be limping and favouring his left hind leg. At this visit it was decided that Jake should have radiographs to check the placement of his hips as Jake seemed to “bunny hop” when he would run.

Radiographs reveal that Jake has bilateral hip dysplasia and would require orthopaedic surgery to correct the problem.

This sample radiograph shows well developed hips.      Notice the joint is sitting in a nice rounded socket with little to no space for the joint to move around out of place.

Jake's hips prioro to surgery Different from the previous radiographs shown above. There is no round socket and there is plenty of room for the joint to move around out of place causing Jake discomfort.	Jakes hips after surgery Notice that his left femoral head has been removed completely to avoid further discomfort for Jake.

Jake had his surgery February. 15, 2008 which completely removed the left femoral head.  (The head and neck of the femur (long bone). Jake’s gait will be slightly altered as the joint has be removed.  However, he will be much more comfortable.

Surgery went very well! And Jake had a speedy recovery.

It was very important that Jake stay on a leash at all times for the entire month following his surgery, and unfortunately no rough play with brother Willie. Jake was to be encouraged to use his left hind leg when walking to create scar tissue around the joint, and build lacking muscle.

Through the entire recovery the hardest, most important instruction for Vicki was to not allow Jake to gain any weight after his surgery.

Congratulations to Vicki for her outstanding patience through Jake’s recovery!!