22/08/2026
At just six months old, Simba had already been through more than any puppy should. Diagnosed with bilateral hip dysplasia, he was adopted by his parents, who knew he would need total hip replacements on his joints.
The initial surgery took place shortly after his first birthday. Sadly, it wasn't successful, and just six weeks later Simba needed another operation to remove the artificial joint and perform a femoral head ostectomy.
That’s when I met Simba, and we started a comprehensive programme of physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and bespoke exercises. With a huge amount of commitment from his family, Simba started to become stronger until his muscle mass improved, and it was almost even on both sides.
Around nine months later, Simba was due to have the surgery on his second hip. We had been working hard to prepare Simba for surgery and his recovery after.
I had been keeping in contact with his parents the night before, and when my phone rang just before the scheduled surgery, I didn’t know what to think.
The surgeon had examined Simba and was so impressed with his physical condition and the muscle he had developed around his second hip that he decided the surgery was no longer needed!
Rehabilitation can't prevent the need for surgery in every dog with hip dysplasia, and sometimes surgery is absolutely the right option. But Simba's story is a lovely example of what consistent physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercise and a committed family can achieve.
Even when surgery is needed, starting physiotherapy beforehand can help your dog improve their physical strength, get familiar with the clinic environment and exercises, and be better prepared for recovery afterwards.
If your dog has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, do get in touch, and let’s see how I can help.
