Bad, bad news - it's severe hip dysplasia

We just got back from the vet, and it's not good. I posted a discussion about how last night, in mid-stride, Sidney suddenly yelped in pain and would not bear weight on his hind left leg. Our vet took xrays and he has very severe hip dysplasia. His femur on the left side is completely out of what little hip socket he has.

Right now he's on Rimadyl for pain, and he's to be getting glucosamine to help build cartilage. He's acting normal and happy, but won't put weight on the bad hip.

We're going to a surgical specialist today to have a consult. They may recommend surgery. I know there are a member or two here who have had this done.

I'd really appreciate if anyone with experience with hip dysplasia could let me know about your experience.

My poor boy...he's been my hiking buddy and we would go on several walks each week. I feel so sad. He's only three.

***UPDATE***
We've had the consult and the vet says that it typically has amazing results. They remove the femoral head (that's right, making a corgi's short legs even shorter!) and the hip joint becomes a floating joint instead of a ball-and-socket.
They'll want him to start walking on it after a week...only a week! They say exercise is very important in healing. That's good since Sidney and I love our walks. He should be back to normal walking/running after he heals with maybe just a slight hitch in his giddy-up.
It was a quick decision to schedule the surgery. He's going in tomorrow morning (Wednesday). Please send prayers/good thoughts/corgi kisses Sidney's way.

Now to pay for it. Oy. He's worth every penny!

*** Second update ***

We have to postpone surgery to Tuesday. Our DemonCat knocked some chocolates off the table and we didn't know if Sidney ate any. We gave H2O2 and there was no chocolate in SId's tummy, but the doc wanted to be safe and postpone.

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Comment by Geri & Sidney on September 1, 2010 at 12:54am: Oh my goodness, Al and Gwynn do look very sad. Thank them please from Sidney

Comment by John Wolff on September 1, 2010 at 12:48am: Gwynn & Al feel ver sad about Sidney and hope he's better soon.

Comment by Lawren and Teddy on August 31, 2010 at 11:28pm: Good luck with surgery. And yes, he is worth it!

Comment by Joanna, Rainy and Calvin on August 31, 2010 at 11:18pm: Good Luck Sidney!!! We're sending big, wet corgi kisses for when you come to tomorrow.

Comment by Sam Tsang on August 31, 2010 at 10:50pm: Thanks for the update Geri! FHO is a common procedure, the recovery time is quite fast, especially well from a pain management pov. We'll keep Sidney in our prayer, speedy recovery!

Comment by Natalie, Lance &Tucker on August 31, 2010 at 10:41pm: Good Luck with the surgery tommorrow. Will be looking for an update tomm. to hear how it all went.

Comment by David on August 31, 2010 at 9:43pm: Sorry to hear that. I am sure Sid will be fine in no time!!!

Comment by Beth on August 31, 2010 at 8:28pm: Good luck with the surgery, and please keep us posted!

Comment by Bev Levy on August 31, 2010 at 8:07pm: Best of luck!!

Comment by Geri & Sidney on August 31, 2010 at 7:58pm: Thank you so much everyone! And John, Sidney thanks Al and Gwynnie for the gift! That made me laugh, and I really needed it today.

I've updated the original blog ^^^
Our next step is surgery, tomorrow!