WestVet Performs First Hip Resurfacing in a Dog

Garden City, ID, August 11, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Hip resurfacing is a relatively new procedure that is currently used in people to provide a less invasive alternative to total hip replacement. The procedure has never been used to treat animals. The WestVet Animal Emergency and Specialty Center located in Garden City, Idaho is the first veterinary hospital in the country to successfully perform a hip resurfacing procedure in a dog.

The English Springer spaniel, named “Riggins” was the recipient of a newly resurfaced hip. He was rescued by the English Springer Spaniel rescue group. Shortly after acquiring Riggins, it was apparent that he had difficulty getting around and frequently seemed sore and stiff. Riggins was examined by Dr. Jeff Brourman, and deemed a good candidate for the procedure. Dr. Brourman has been involved with the adaptation of this new human hip surgery, for dogs. He and Dr. Sean Murphy performed the procedure on Riggins. Riggins recovered well from the procedure and is now able to ambulate comfortably.

Additional hip resurfacing procedures will be performed on dogs in the near future. “If the procedure continues to be successful, it may become a good alternative to total hip replacement in certain dogs suffering from hip dysplasia,” says Dr. Brourman.

WestVet Animal Emergency and Specialty Center is the first and only integrated specialty hospital in Idaho – recognized as one of the most progressive and innovative veterinary hospitals in the Northwest.

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