**Update on Belle**
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"Bird Hunter" |
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This is Belle.
She had a tragic accident while hunting raising concern over
whether or not she would ever again be able do what she loves most –
hunt. A femoral head
ostectomy (FHO) was not
desirable. A hip replacement was performed. A year later, the following
is a paraphrase of what was written by the owners:
“Belle
underwent hip replacement surgery in February 2000 after a nasty fall
while bird hunting that luxated her hip 23 days prior to surgery.
During her rehabilitation period Belle was the perfect patient - always
happy, tail wagging at high speed. It has been one year since
surgery and Belle is truly enjoying life. She is a high energy,
high-spirited pointer that loves to hunt and is one of the most loveable
animals you will ever meet. She conducts herself equally well as a
housedog and a field dog. Care has been taken to keep her from
overexerting herself - if that is possible for a hunting pointer.
With her energy level, she does not know when to quit.”
“When
Belle was injured we knew we would do whatever we could to provide Belle
a quality of life befitting her personality. The total hip
replacement provided the solution as evidenced by the fun she had during
the recent hunting season.”
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Belle luxated her
hip 23 days prior to surgery. |
Belle’s THR 1 year after surgery. |
Belle’s owner wrote with this follow-up on
April 8, 2006:
Hey Doctor,I thought you might enjoy a shot of your favorite patient. It has
been over 6 years (2/1/00) since Belle had her surgery and she is still
going strong and enjoying life in Texas. Thanks again for all you did
for her! She has been a great friend and a hell of a hunter.
Best Regards,
Belle
Belle is still having fun in the bluebonnets 7 years after hip
replacement surgery.
Contributed
by William D. Liska, DVM, Diplomate ACVS
Houston, Texas
