When human hip joints wear out, surgeons sometimes replace them with artificial ones. Similar options are available for dogs. Surgeons at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at Kansas State University this spring performed the first non-cemented total hip replacement in Kansas.

The patient who received the BioMedtrix implant is McKinzie, a 10-year-old Border Collie mix who suffers from arthritis. McKinzie's owners, Dr. Darrell Carder, a Topeka veterinarian, and his wife, Gail, had confidence in the new procedure.

"The K-State surgeons' opinion was that it was a superior technique," Darrell Carder said. "We chose to trust their judgment in what was best for McKinzie."

Dr. Walter Renberg, assistant professor of small animal orthopedic surgery, performed the surgery April 22, assisted by Dr. James Roush, professor and small animal surgery section head.

The benefits of the non-cemented implant include less surgical time, lower risk of infection and ease of revision if complications arise. This also cemented the Carders' decision to proceed.

"The surgery took about an hour, which is about half the time of the traditional procedure," Roush said. "I was pleased with how smoothly things went for our first one."

The need for surgery came quickly for McKinzie. The couple makes weekly trips to their farm with McKinzie and their 11-month-old German shepherd, Della. This is usually a fun time for all, but this trip was different.

"We go to the farm most weekends," Darrell Carder said. "We don't know if the dogs played too hard or if Della jumped or fell on McKinzie, but what followed was an acute episode of pain. She was screaming."

McKinzie was put on pain medication and radiographs were taken to assess her situation.

"When we took radiographs of her hips, we were disappointed with what we found," Darrell Carder said. "She needed surgery."

Little did the Carders know, but Roush and Renberg were waiting for McKinzie, not by name, but by characteristics.

"We were looking for the ideal candidate for our first surgery," Renberg said. "We were looking for a patient that was a certain size and had a certain body condition. McKinzie fit our criteria."

Since McKinzie's surgery, the Carders report the patient is doing well.

"No problems whatsoever: The biggest trouble is slowing her down."

Individuals who would like this new technique considered for their pets should have their veterinarian contact Dr. James Roush or Dr. Walter Renberg at (785)532-5690.

This has been a post from KSUPET-L, an electronic mailing list about pet health, utilizing expertise from Kansas State University veterinarians. News release prepared by: Patrice Scott.