Triple Pelvic Osteotomy for Canine Hip Dysplasia

Triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) remains a valuable surgery in the prevention of degenerative joint disease secondary to hip laxity. The surgeons at DVSC recommend that hips of susceptible breeds be palpated beginning at 4-6 months of age. If laxity is detected, owners should be informed about the benefits of the TPO procedure.

A TPO may prevent the patient from requiring a more expensive procedure in the future, such as a total hip replacement, or a procedure with less predictable results, such as a femoral head/neck ostectomy. The patient may do well without the surgery, but having the procedure performed will significantly reduce the liklihood of long-term problems.

We have performed concurrent bilateral triple pelvic osteotomies in a few dogs, however most dogs requiring the procedure bilaterally have the surgery staged at 4-8 week intervals. Some of our patients also require surgery on only one hip. With careful screening and selection of TPO candidates, we expect that the TPO will provide a permanent resolution to the problem.