Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Lilly Belle was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia as a puppy, and we decided to schedule her for surgery in December. This video show the trouble she encountered when climbing stairs. One week after this video, she underwent surgery to receive a new hip.

We consulted with our local Vets and decided to have Lilly's operation performed by Big Sky Animal Medical Center in Great Falls, Montana. The surgery went exceptionally well and Lilly is now in the recovery phase, wich takes about two months. During this time we do not let her run free, climb stairs or use her back legs to jump, stand, etc. It is important to let the bone fuse around this new cobalt hip of hers.

Lilly is doing very well, but she is bored and restless due to the confined space we must keep her in for her own protection. You can also see the x-rays of her hip joints after the surgery. To learn more about hip dysplasia and see our videos, photos and x-rays, go here.

Lilly Pad

Hi gang, Lilly Belle here (you know me, I'm the Great Pyrenees puppy). In our last posting we talked aout 'ol Dad being a crafty fellow, and I have to tell you the he really likes me.

Mom and dad are concerned that I might develop "hip dysplasia" (whatever that is) because I'm such a big puppy and that is supposed to be common in large breed dogs. Well anyway, I told you that my Dad loves me and here's why I believe that...

Dad likes to take me along with him when he goes to town. He drives a huge Dodge truck that mom says she needs a step ladder to get into. They didn't want me to jump up or down from the back seat, so Dad invented a "Lilly Pad".

The back seats lift up and out of the way, so Dad built a platform that rests on the floor and he covered it with indoor/outdoor carpet. This is where I ride when we drive to town. What's more, he also built a step for me to use getting in and out of the truck. This truck step is also covered with carpet so I don't slip when I get excited. You can see my truck step here.

See, if my Dad didn't love me do you think he'd make me all these cool things? Oh and BTW, that's me and Pooh watching people walk up the stairs.