Donovan ended up missing the boat on the January 18th surgery due to some technical difficulties, so he was rescheduled for the very first following surgery slot on February 17th. Of course, we were still hoping for the Total Hip Replacement (TH
R) which would be at the discretion of the surgeons once they opened him up, with the alternate option being a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO). Unfortunately, after the surgeons made the first small incision and began rotating out the femoral head to get a better evaluation of the situation - Donovan’s femor snapped, resulting in a spiral fracture. Not a good way to start the day 
So, this meant that the fracture had to be first repaired using a plate, multiple screws and wire. Once the fracture was repaired, then only an FHO could be performed at this time. It seems that since it has been so long since Donovan has used his right leg, that the bone density and quality was very poor and brittle due to lack of circulation and use of that leg. As a result, his leg was weak and easily succumbed to minimal manipulation - he most likely never would have been able to hold a THR implant. If there is good news, it is that the fracture happened before the THR was implanted and at the hospital under the care of the doctors where it could be immediately repaired without further damage. Poor Donovan As his foster mom and one of his biggest fans, I really wanted him to have the THR and have the greatest range of motion possible so I was devastated to hear the news. However, after more discussions with the surgeon and with owners of dogs who have had FHOs, I feel a little bit better. Hopefully, the FHO will be a great success once his fracture heals and I am very anxious to see the day that he bears weight on his right leg.
Fast forward 2 days (I have been a little remiss in my blog entries!) and Donovan came home from the hospital this afternoon. He was very happy to settle back in on his nice orthopedic bed, but he seems to be in a decent amount of pain, especially if he lies on his right side for any amount of time and then tries to get up. Right now, I am in his crate with him typing this (its a BIG crate! and he loves the company … ) and he is stretched out on his good side with his paws touching my leg so he can make sure I do not go anywhere while his eyes drift to sleep 
A typical FHO patient is expected to begin physical therapy nearly immediately following surgery, and quite ag
gressively so that the muscle can strengthen in the new joint. However, Donovan needs to take it easy for the next month while his fracture heals . After that, we can hopefully begin physical therapy and get him using the under water treadmill to strengthen the new joint. For now, lots of rest, lots of love, cold compresses, and quite a few pills will be that which comforts Donovan during the worst days following his surgery.
Hopefully as time marches forward, he will feel better and begin using his right leg, but it will take time. I hope to keep his blog updated with his progress for those interested in following Donovan’s recovery. He is such a sweet boy, he really deserves to be pain free. According to the hospital, he seemed to make quite a few friends during his visit, but I am not sure how anyone could resist this guy - he is the sweetest, most loving dog. I really wish he did not have to suffer right now, but we will do everything we can to keep him comfortable while he heals. Keep checking back, more updates to come …
