Nikki's Hip Dysplasia Surgery Progress

This will contain information and pictures of the progress my girl is making after having her surgery, a Triple Pelvic Osteotomy, for her hip dysplasia. Let me give you a little background on this sad story.

My husband purchased Nikki as a Christmas gift for me last year from a breeder in Mooresville, IN. With the rush of Christmas coming the next day he was very anxious to get her and give her to me as I had lost my other Rottie just 4 months earlier and was missing her terribly. What a great gift Nikki was for Christmas. She stole my heart that is for sure. Anyway back to the story, he was told that Nikki would not have any papers and really never questioned why. I had always noticed how her legs seemed to pop and never did feel comfortable with it. A couple of weeks ago we noticed severe stiffness in the back leg area and she would cry when she jumped up or down and had trouble sitting. I of course got her to the vet on Monday and the xrays had confirmed my worst fears, hip dysplasia. We then went to see a specialist in Indianpolis, Dr. Elkins and Dr. Stauffer. They also took xrays to tell me the type of surgery she would need. Then on November 17th, 2000 my baby had her first surgery on her right hip. In 4-6 weeks she will be going in to have her left one done. I can not praise Nikki's regular vet, Dr. Wasem and the surgeons, Dr. Elkins and Dr. Stauffer enough.

Now here is what happened when I contacted Nikki's breeder. I first left a message on an answering machine. I received a call the next day and was told Nikki's mom had been hit by lightning and killed 5 months earlier. I questioned if any of her dogs showed signs of the dysplasia or had even been tested for it before breeding. No, they hadn't showed signs or been tested. The worst part is she obtained Nikki's father as payment for some unpaid boarding bills. Then breeds him with her female without knowing his history or even getting him medically checked for hip dysplasia, heart problems or eye problems. (thank you Lori) It is so sad to see people like this out there breeding dogs and making poor innocent puppies go through such pain. I urge everyone to please make sure before buying a puppy from a breeder that parents have been OFA Certified with good ratings and have been checked for any other genetic problems associated with their specific breed. Be extremely careful of backyard or greed breeders. (thank you Lori again) I don't want anyone to have to have their precious pet suffer as my Nikki has had to.

Update: I have spoken with Nikki's breeder again, not a very nice conversation, and she now tells me Nikki's mom was another rottie who had to be put down due to aggressive behavior. She also proceeds to tell me she has done nothing wrong. Okay, I tell her come and see my Nikki and tell me that. As you can see this woman is not a reputable breeder and will be hearing from me legally one way or another. I am working on several things to get what my Nikki deserves out of this back yard breeder plus not to mention the other brothers and sisters that Nikki had too. I hope they are not suffering or become aggressive.

We have had a set back. On Tuesday evening Nikki stood up in her cage and cried out in pain. She also would not put any pressure on her back leg at all. I knew something was the matter so I went to speak to the surgeon on Wednesday morning. He gave me some new medicine and said if she wasn't any better by Friday to bring her in for xrays. The xrays show that she has had her bottom screws become separated from the bone. Now on Monday she will go back in to have this fixed and I can't bring her home until Wednesday. Momma sure is going to miss her little girl.

Nikki's surgery to correct the screws coming out went really good. She has been very active and acts as if nothing is wrong. Seems to think she can just about do everything she used to do. We go to have xrays on December 30th to see how things are progressing and figure out when we will do the surgery for her left side. But I have decided she is going to have a couple of days of freedom where she can just do what she wants to do. It has been killing both her and me to have her cooped up in that crate for so long only out to go to the bathroom. Poor baby. I did have her out in living room for a bit and she just LOVED IT!!!! Of course I made sure she behaved.

It is Saturday, December 30th, 2000 and Nikki had xrays today to see how well her right hips is healing. She is 95% healed and is now allowed to roam the house as long as she is supervised. And of course we put Bear up as he outweighs her now by 21 pounds. We do let them play just a little bit together and when they start getting too rough Bear goes up. Nikki will be going in on January 12th, 2001 for her surgery on her left side. She has just about two weeks of freedom and she loves it.

Nikki's surgery for her left side went just fine but she was in a bit more pain this time. Had me somewhat worried but in a couple of days she was just fine. We had her stitches and staples taken out today, January 25th and Dr. Elkins said she is doing just great and she was a very good girl. I could tell at times it hurt but she would look at me and I would tell her it was okay and she would lay her head back down. She knows that I would never allow anyone to hurt her and trusts her momma. It is a special bond the two of us have. In 4 weeks she will be xrayed and given the final exam and be allowed to return back to a normal life. At this time they want me to take her for short walks to the corner and back to help work the muscles in her legs. I know she will enjoy that.

Oh joy the day has come and Nikki is free. On February 24, 2001 Nikki was given the thumbs up from Dr. Stauffer. I CAN NOT praise him and the wonderful staff that he has enough. They have given me back my baby girl. To see her walk and run with such a beautiful gait and to not be in pain brought tears of joy to my eyes. When I got her home I turned her loose to run and play in the yard. Of course I had the camera so pics will be added here shortly. Of course Bear is so excited to have his sister back to play with too. My they missed each other. It has been a year since Nikki's surgery and she is doing great. Her hips give her no problems and she is living a very normal and happy life.

Here are the pictures of Nikki's xray from start to finish

11-7-00

After 1st surgery on her right side

When she had the screws break loose

After fixing her loose screws

Her 6 week check up

After doing her left side

After her left side was healedHer day of freedom 2/24/01 and look at that coverage

Here are some pictures of Nikki

Nikki's stitches

Nikki relaxing

Nikki sleeping