Bracken’s Journey: Overcoming Hip Dysplasia with Total Hip Replacement

Bracken, a six-year-old sporting dog active in retriever hunting tests, came to Edinger Surgical Options in January 2023 for evaluation with Dr. Eby. His owner, Dana, had noticed stiffness, soreness, and a gradual decrease in activity over several years. In the month leading up to his visit, Bracken occasionally avoided putting weight on his right hind limb.

Examination and x-rays confirmed bilateral hip dysplasia, a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, leading to pain and lameness—especially in active dogs. Because Bracken was a working dog, surgical correction was recommended, and Dana chose to move forward with a right total hip replacement (THR).

In April 2023, Bracken underwent a successful THR and stayed for one week of postoperative care and rehabilitation. Eight weeks later, follow-up x-rays revealed a ventral luxation (dislocation) of the implant. Bracken underwent a successful revision surgery in June 2023.

With consistent home care, short leash walks, and physical therapy, Bracken recovered beautifully. Twelve weeks after his revision, he was back to training for hunt tests.

Bracken’s case highlights how advanced orthopedic surgery and dedicated aftercare can restore mobility and quality of life for active dogs.

“Our black Lab Bracken was a highly accomplished hunt test retriever in both U.K.C. and A.K.C. sanctioned tests at a young age. Bracken earned the Hunting Retriever Champion title at 17 months old and followed that up with the Master Hunter title at 2 years old. Bracken and I were on a roll passing 99% of the tests we ran until he was about 6 years old when his appetite waned and sometimes he would stop on his way out for a retrieve, especially in the water. Not normal, something was troubling him physically and I suspected his hips. An x-ray confirmed both hips looked awful. We knew he had pain then, hardly ever finished his food and did not care to swim. Since I have had a successful total hip replacement, I did some research and decided that was the only option for Bracken. We contacted Edinger Surgical Solutions and met with Dr. Eby. In April of 2023 Bracken had his right total hip replacement, days before turning seven. By mid-September 2023, Bracken and I resumed running and passing Hunting Retriever Tests and once fully healed, He Has Not Once Left Food In His Bowl. In 2024 Bracken joined U.K.C.'s Hunting Retriever 2000 Point Club. Bracken is 9 years old now, plays, wrestles and gets chewed on by his little punk brother, and is as happy and spunky as always. Bracken's testing career is not over yet. In January, we plan on adding to his illustrious 131 straight passes without a fail in Upland testing. We are so happy that Dr. Eby and his amazing, compassionate staff have given Bracken a new lease on life, he deserves it and is living his best life!”

-Dana & Linda Williams

For more information on total hip replacements and how they work, please see the Hip Dysplasia Surgical Options link on our Orthopedic Disorders page, or feel free to call (608) 845-0002 or email us.