A New Lease on Life: Asahi’s Journey Through Two Hip Surgeries
Asahi’s vibrant personality and active lifestyle turned out to be a mask for an underlying issue that reared its head just before he turned three years old.
Named for his resemblance to a Japanese dark lager, Asahi, a tri-colour Shetland Sheepdog, was an energetic and sociable pup who loved running wild in his neighbourhood park. But sometime in late 2023, he began showing signs of difficulty rising from rest.
“I was so worried,” remembered his owner, Ms Lina Hoo. “He is usually so active, and he was so young, too.” After observing Asahi’s increasing pain, Lina took him to his regular vet at Ohana VetCare, where an X-ray revealed advanced arthritis in both hips with partial luxation on the left. He was referred to Beecroft Hospital on the same day.
Dr Patrick Maguire, Beecroft’s head of surgery and a board-certified surgical specialist, attended to Asahi.
After a sober consultation with Dr Patrick, Lina faced a crucial decision – while a femoral head removal can help in some cases, ongoing dysfunction and intermittent pain can accompany this procedure. A total hip replacement offered the chance for a full return to function, to restore the normal ball and socket of the hip joint. Ms Lina chose the hip replacement.
Asahi’s first surgery was performed smoothly with successful integration of the prosthetic hip. However, strict post-operative confinement was essential.
“He was very confused after the surgery. He always looked forward to his hours-long walks, so suddenly being confined is stressful for him. He even managed to open his crate to look for me.”
Lina adapted quickly, restricting Asahi to short walks and using a trolley so he could still get his sniffs in during the initial month. Her dedication to caring for her dog post-surgery considerably improved Asahi’s recovery journey. Asahi recovered well with improved function and confidence on the left leg.
But Asahi’s challenges were far from over.
New signs of trouble emerged after a swim session in 2024. His right hip had worsened, and Lina did not hesitate to pencil in a second surgery. Due to the stability now present on the left leg, the recovery from the right hip replacement was notably faster, taking only about two months.
Today, Asahi has returned to his energetic self, free from the pain that once limited his movements. His successful bilateral replacement demonstrates how this approach can transform a young dog’s prognosis from one of chronic disability to that of everyday mobility.
Asahi’s success story is a testament to the importance of early surgical intervention, the nurturing power of dedicated care, and the unshakable trust between a pet and its owner.
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