I had previously mentioned that Tucker would have to have surgery for his hip dysplasia. Well that time has arrived. Last Thursday we made the early drive to the University of Missouri’s Small Animal Veterinary Hospital. I was so nervous about time that we actually ended up a little over an hour early but they actually got us in very quickly. We were impressed right off the bat because our student on Tucker’s case, Lance, was wearing a bow tie and Tucker’s surgeon, Dr. Hutcheson, was as well. Two bow ties in one appointment meant things were bound to go well.
In our first appointment Dr. Hutcheson was initially not as apt to preform surgery on Tucker because of how well he was walking around. He was a little tender during his exam but Tucker moves around so well. This is due to the anti inflammatory we have him on, vitamins and strict exercise/physical therapy schedule I have him on. The doctor wanted to take some new radiographs to see if his hips have gotten worse. So in under an hour they called us back to discuss his results. Unfortunately Tucker’s hips have gotten worse since the last radiograph and Dr. Hutcheson recommended a total hip replacement on Tucker’s left hip.
Mom, is that me?
So we booked the surgery for Friday and made another early drive to Columbia to drop Tucker off. When we dropped Tucker off I appreciated that Dr. Hutcheson came out to say hi and Lance came to get Tucker. He was patient as I was obviously struggling to hand the leash over and of course respectful as I turned away to let the waterworks begin. He called as soon as Tucker was awake from surgery and we got updated every evening and morning about Tucker’s progress. Initially the plan was that they would keep Tucker until Monday for observations and to make sure he is healing. Tucker was actually doing so well that they called and said we could pick him up Sunday! That was a huge relief to know that he was healing so well and making such progress. He was eating, drinking, and walking on his left leg.
So we headed back on Sunday and picked up our little Tucker. He was so excited to see us and we missed him so much even though he was only gone about two days. They showed us his new hip and explained how well the surgery went. We could not be more impressed with MU and the service we received from Dr. Hutcheson and Lance.
Mom, what’s that in my hip? It looks funny.
Of course we have a long road of recovery ahead of us and I will post more about his steps to recovery later. But as we start this journey here is his hip on Day 3.
Mom! Don’t post that, I’m naked!
We will keep you updated on Tucker’s recovery plan and progress. In the mean time we are just so happy to have him back home and that he is doing well so far.
Tales of Tucker 