Sadly, in December 2010 we became really concerned that he could not lift his back legs off of the sofa when getting up – he sort of dragged himself off – and was clearly in some pain. We took him off to the vet immediately and after a thorough examination the vet said his hips were in really bad shape – he suspected severe hip dysplasia and decided that we should get him x-rayed.  Well the x-rays were awful – his hip sockets were way too shallow and his hip bones were not wide enough to get into the sockets – in fact they were almost dis-located.  All of this was hard to take seeing as he was only 5 months old by this time.  It was obvious to the vet that he would need at least one hip replaced – maybe both – something that we perceived to be a huge undertaking and very stressful for Hobnob – but we wanted to do the best thing for him and so we started researching hip dysplasia on the Internet.  Our vet had recommended Mr David Walker at Rainsbrook Veterinary Group and so off we went to see him.  Mr Walker looked at the x-rays and examined Hobnob further and said that a hip-replacement was definitely in order but that we had to wait until he was at least 8 months old.  Those 3 months seemed like a lifetime – and we couldn’t walk him longer than 10-15 minutes at a time as he was in so much pain – prior to the operation he was on Rimadyl and Tramadol several times a day – this really was not the start that we wanted our beloved Hobnob to have to life.

 

So finally the day of the operation came around – I will never forget 4th April 2011.  The operation was done in the morning and we got a call to say all had gone as expected and we could collect him on the Thursday.  We were overjoyed and couldn’t wait to get him home!  When we collected him on the Thursday we were overwhelmed by how full of beans he was – you would never have known what he had just been through – I guess puppies recover quickly from such things…

 

Mr Walker gave us an exercise regime that we followed religiously – several very short walks a day and always on the lead.  He had to wear a lampshade collar for a couple of weeks to stop him from licking the wound (which was remarkably small and clean).  Hobnob was very excited every time we went out and after a couple of weeks it was very evident that he was in no pain – he never sat down on walks like he used to and he was always raring to go…    We did have a bit of a set-back after about 11 days – he always used to lie face down with his back legs almost crossed behind him – a very odd position to watch but he was clearly comfortable like that.  One day he was in that exact position and when he rolled over on the rug he partially dis-located his new hip!  We rushed him to the vets where he was sedated and another operation had to be performed to cement the socket in and prevent a further issue.  We continued the exercise regime with several short walks each day, gradually building up in time and always on the lead.  After 8 weeks we were allowed to let him off the lead and my goodness was he excited about that!  I will never forget the first time he chased after a rabbit – instead of being alarmed I burst into tears – tears of joy because now he was running as a dog should.  Having his hip replaced really has given Hobnob a new lease of life – nobody even believes me any more when I tell them what he went through….

 

We went to the Lake District for New Year and we walked every day – one day we covered 9 miles over 5/6 hours – Hobnob complained every time we paused for breath – he was raring to go!  This last weekend he went on his first overnight camping trip – with another 10 mile walk and again loved every minute – I really cannot speak highly enough of the work that Mr Walker did and the support of everyone at Rainsbrook – they really are a very special team!

 

Fortunately for us we had insured Hobnob before we brought him home – so we only had to pay an excess of £99 – I really would recommend pet insurance to anyone getting any type of pet – it is worth every penny and you really never know when you might need it.

 

At Hobnob’s last check-up Mr Walker said that he was very pleased with his progress and wouldn’t look to operate on the other hip unless he started showing signs of pain – we watch him like a hawk and although he has a funny sideways  run he is compensating well with his good hip for his bad one.  I am so proud of my boy and all he has achieved and thank everyone at Rainsbrook for their help and support.

 

From Hobnob and the Rimmington-Hill family