With Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO), young dogs with hip dysplasia can improve their symptoms by improving the poorly shaped hips dealt out by nature. The results can be life-changing and amazing for your pup. However, not all dogs are able to handle TPO surgery and ultimately are not good candidates. Read below to learn the important facts about TPO surgery and talk with your veterinary specialist for detailed information.
TPO Surgery 101
Triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO), and more recently double pelvic osteotomy (DPO) is a surgical option for young dogs with hip dysplasia and with NO hip OA. This procedure is for young dogs only – usually less than 6 months of age. Radiographs at an early age are necessary to preemptively determine if the hips are developing normally, or if hip laxity is present, even though no symptoms are present.
The object of the TPO and DPO procedures is the same which is to “capture” the femoral head in the socket thereby reducing the laxity present. This is done by cutting the pelvic bones in 3 or 2 places, rotating the acetabulum, and stabilizing the pelvis in the new position with a metal bone plate and screws.
What are the Advantages of TPO Surgery?
As a result of TPO surgery, the hip moves smoothly and the bumps and grinds associated with arthritis are reduced. TPO, therefore, protects the long-term health of the hips and plays an important preventative role. Performing surgery when the bones are still growing reduces the forces on young bones and reduces the likelihood of misshapen bones.
Almost all dogs who have TPO surgery for suspected hip dysplasia have normal active lives (although they should not be bred from as this is a hereditary condition that can be passed onto the next generation.)
TPO surgery is performed much less frequently currently compared to 10-20 years ago. Several reasons for this include:
- Early diagnosis before symptoms are present is imperative
- Long-term follow-up results are less favorable than originally thought to be
- The arthroscopic examination has become the standard to critically evaluate the joint before surgery
- Hip replacement surgery has been shown to be acceptable practice in dogs less than 1 year of age and as young as 6-8 months of age
- Arthritis does not develop following hip replacement surgery as it can following TPO surgery
- Hip replacement implants are not reported to wear out, i.e. they last for life
- Recovery after hip replacement is quicker with comfort following quickly
Consult a Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon
Global Veterinary Specialists recognize that dogs and cats encounter orthopedic injuries, disabling difficulties, and diseases that can impact their quality of life and are committed to restoring pain-free mobility by treating hip dysplasia and other conditions like secondary osteoarthritis.
We invite you to contact GVS today to learn about the treatment options for hip dysplasia so that your pet can resume a happy, healthy, pain-free life.
