HOME

SERVICES

CONTACT US

HISTORY

Pet Portal Login

Family Vets

Doctors

Office Staff

Clinic Layout

Photo Gallery

Dog Training

Links

Your Pet's True Age

Pet of the Month

Case of the Month

Soft
Tissue

Client
Reviews

Orthopedic Procedures

Treatments

Client
Reviews

Hospital News

    County is pleased to be introducing Total Hip Replacement surgery for dogs. 

     County strives to be the most progressive veterinary hospital in the St. Louis area by offering the latest in diagnostic and surgical advancements.     
 
     Canine hip dysplasia is one of the most common musculoskelatal diseases.  Hip dysplasia is commonly used as an all encompassing term to describe hip disease.  In truth, dysplasia can only be truly called dysplasia if it is diagnosed when your dog is young.  Certainly, hip dysplasia can lead to arthritis which is more commonly the case.  Arthritis will eventually cause mild to moderate pain, muscle loss, and the difficulty or inablility for your beloved pet to move around. 
   
     It is known that genetics, estrogen, body size and growth, biomechanical loads, and nutrition all play a role in the development and progression of hip dysplasia.  Regardless of the reason, poor joint fit is the initial problem that causes this disease. These dogs go on to develop painful arthritis and are commonly euthanized because they cant get around anymore.  Up until recently only a few methods were available to help relieve their pain.  Such methods include:  oral and injectable medications, surgery (juvenile pubic synarthrodesis, toggle procedures, triple pelvic osteotomy), and Stem Cell Therapy. 

     Here at County, we will be introducing the Helica Canine Hip System.  For those dogs that have been diagnosed with hip dysplasia or arthritis, total hip replacement is now an option so that your pet can lead a pain free life.  Furthermore, over the life of your pet, the costs of medication, x-rays, and hospital visits will commonly be greater than the cost of surgery. 

     The Helica system is a less invasive hip replacement method and has been shown to have less complications than conventional cemented methods. Below are two images of the Helica System.  Please feel free to speak to Dr. Michael Vitucci about this new and exciting procedure that may benefit your beloved pet.

Hospital News