Chief of Surgery and Owner Dr. Anke Langenbach is now certified in the advanced micro hip replacement procedure for dogs and cats as small as 4 pounds. Dr. Langenbach has been providing total hip replacements for pets in the Northern Virginia, Washington DC-metro area for many years.
Diseases of the hip joint are common. Hip dysplasia (HD) is the most common disease of the hip joint. It occurs primarily in large-breed dogs but can also affect small dogs and cats. HD is inherited, which means that it can pass down the line from parents to offspring. Other diseases of the hip can also occur, including trauma (fractures and dislocation/luxation) as well as Legg-Calves Perthes disease (also called avascular necrosis of the femoral head). Fortunately, all of these diseases are universally treatable, often with total hip replacement.
Hip replacement is an excellent procedure that removes the degenerated femoral head (ball) and acetabulum (socket) and replaces them with artificial components. The goal of the surgery is to improve quality of life by providing pain relief and allowing the pet to return to an active lifestyle. It is the same as the operation performed in humans.
Learn more about total hip replacements, including micro hip replacement for pets as small as 4 pounds.
Congratulations to Dr. Langenbach for achieving this certification! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
