How we got here

Most of you know Mulligan was evaluated by an Atlanta orthopedic specialist/surgeon. It was determined with his degree of bi-lateral hip dysplasia, except for his age; he would be the perfect candidate for a total hip replacement (THR). The biggest deterrent was, of course, the cost. Done by just a few surgeons in this region and at a cost of $4000-5000 per hip for a rescue it was out of the question; we would go with our second option, femoral head ostectomy (FHO) which we had wonderful success with in Dali and the cost was half the cost of THR.   

Once the decision was emotionally made - we had another idea - why not contact the company that makes the hip replacement product and see if they would donate a hip for Mulligan and we would carry it to UGA for the implant! Well, it did not happen that way, but what did happen is the manufacturer connected us with a Knoxville Veterinary Surgeon that was currently doing a clinical trial on a new hip implant product; we called and Dr. Rosenzweig accepted Mulligan into the trial. The cost for the Rescue because of it being a clinical trial was approximately the same cost as a bi-lateral FHO.

So that's where we are - Mulligan had surgery this morning and if all goes according to plan will be back with us on Friday. He will have a four month recuperation period, but should be up walking on day 3 post-surgery. As part of a clinical trial he will have to be x-rayed and evaluated over the next four months, but if the surgery is a success (and we are planning on it), Mulligan will have many, many more years of an active, healthy and pain free life. 

Mulligan is still available for adoption. If a family is looking for a wonderful family member Mulligan is a great dog; if adopted prior to completion of the clinical trial and the recuperative | evaluation period, Mutt Madd-ness will provide ongoing assistance.     

Mulligan is back!

4/11/12: Drove Mulligan up to Knoxville for a visit with Dr. Mitch. He took x-rays and he was very pleased with what he saw. He did mention (which we noticed) that Mulligan is favoring his leg a little bit, but he feels certain once he is able to get some real exercise that muscle tone and comfort / security level will return. He thinks he looks great and we think he's just an awesome dog.  He is getting so big and beautiful. Next x-ray in one month!

Improving one step at a time!

4/1/12: Just got back from our drive to Knoxville and Mulligan's two-week review with Dr. Mitch. Could not get the darn stitches out (but they are disolve-able - in some century) skin and hair had grown up around after two weeks and Mulligan was having no part of it :)
Got that silly plastic cone off! Mulligan is at about 95% - he is still walking a little pigeon toed, but Dr. Mitch thinks that once he is able to really play and exercise his new hip (at 4 months) the muscle will re-develop in his leg. He had lost some selective muscle tone prior to his surgery due to limited function. He has to go back in two weeks for his first post-operative x-rays, but they are pleased with how he is coming along. Yeah!

Recovery is boring!

3/23/12: Mulligan was driven back to Marietta late Friday by Dr. Rudd. He seems to be doing well in spite of the BIG cone he has to wear. He wants to get out of his kennel and romp, but for the next 4 months he will need to be restricted to potty walks and healing :( It's not easy with a puppy. Mulligan will get his stitches out next Sunday, April 1 - another road trip to Knoxville!

Hurray!

3/22/12: Mulligan was up and walking. Dr. Mitch said it was though he had not had a bad hip. Does not seem to be experiencing any discomfort. Plan is for him to be home Friday 23rd.

On to recovery!

3:30pm 3/19/2012: Mulligan is through surgery and resting. He actually tried to get up, but was re-sedated. I think as his worried foster mom, I could use some of that!  If all continues to go well, the plan is still to collect him on Friday and begin recovery.

Bad news

3.8.12: Met with the surgical specialist - Mulligan does not seem to be responding to medical treatment. He will require surgery, we will determine soon if we will do an FHO or wait and do a total hip replacement. 

My Life

2.12.12: Mulligan was recently diagnosed with bi-lateral hip dysplasia, he is currently being treated with an NSAID (Rimadyl) - an anti-inflammatory, Omega 3 and Glucosamine. We are hoping that this treatment style will make life for him comfortable and surgery will not be required.