“He wasn’t doing normal dog stuff,” said Keri Sheldon about her experience in 2021 with Andy, her golden retriever/poodle mix puppy. “We noticed he was always guarded with other dogs and not playing normally. It gave us concern – he was not acting like a normal puppy.”

So, when he started whimpering after a mishap while playing, Sheldon and her partner Keith Fenech took the goldendoodle to their primary veterinarian.

“The vet took x-rays and diagnosed Andy with hip dysplasia,” Sheldon said. “I was quite upset to hear that.”

For the first few years, Andy only needed to be monitored, but the disease grew progressively worse and a few drugs to control pain associated with inflammation and osteoarthritis were not really helping.

By 3 years old, Andy needed the intervention of orthopedic specialists, and his veterinarian recommended that he go to the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH). It was there he was examined by a care team that would soon change his life.

Dr. Barbro Filliquist—along with residents, technicians, and students in the VMTH’s Orthopedic Surgery Service—began Andy’s return to health and a life without pain.

It was clear that Andy’s hip would eventually fail, and he would need surgery, but it was not an immediate necessity. Dr. Filliquist discussed options with Sheldon and Fenech: continue managing Andy’s condition; a femoral head osteotomy (FHO) surgery which could alleviate Andy’s pain but also come with unpredictable results; or a total hip replacement (THR) surgery. The couple chose to continue managing Andy’s condition but agreed to a THR over a FHO when the time came for surgery.

With suggestions from the care team, Sheldon and Fenech adjusted Andy’s management to include a 10% weight loss and adding Omega-3 fatty acid supplements and range of motion/aquatherapy exercises.

Within 10 months, Andy became lamer on the left side with growing discomfort.

“He wouldn’t let anyone touch his hind area,” recalled Fenech, knowing it was time for surgery.

They returned Andy to the VMTH in June 2025 where x-rays showed a moderate amount of hip arthritis and severe left hip dysplasia with luxation (dislocation of the joint).

“We knew the total hip replacement was going to be the best, longest-lasting option,” said Fenech. “Our goal was to give Andy the top quality of life we could provide. He’s my best friend.”

In July 2025, Andy received a CT scan for Dr. Filliquist to gain a better understanding of his condition and to aid in planning the surgery. He was in good health and was deemed a good candidate for surgery.

Andy received his total hip replacement surgery in September 2025. A biological total hip replacement system was used to replace the two parts of the hip joint, the femoral head and acetabulum, with metal implants. The implants were made of titanium, cobalt-chromium, and a polyethylene liner, with the sizes based on Andy’s bones.

Postoperative x-rays showed appropriate orientation and positioning of the stem and cup. Andy was hospitalized at the VMTH for six days under the watchful eyes of his care team. Immediately after surgery, Andy received pain medication, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs. Andy also received medications to keep him calm and minimize sudden movements.

While Andy initially experienced weakness in the surgical limb following surgery, he began to weight bear more and more, and the weakness in the limb improved. He grew stronger and more comfortable over the next few days and was ready to go home by the end of the week.

Andy’s activity was strictly limited until a 3-month recheck appointment. He was confined at all times, except for short leashed potty breaks. No off-leash activities were allowed, including running, jumping, or playing with other animals. Any activity could hamper the healing process and possibly require another surgery.

“We followed the restriction instructions to the letter,” Fenech said. “We wanted the healing to be perfect. Thankfully, I work from home, so it was easier for me to manage.”

To minimize the risk of slipping and falling, a harness was used to help Andy walk.

“Whenever we had to go out, I used the front and rear harnesses,” said Fenech. “He was like my little marionette.”

At his 3-month recheck appointment, Andy’s new hip was stable. He was allowed a gradual increase in leashed walks and unrestricted activity in the house, but still no high impact activities such as running, jumping, and rough play until his next recheck.

Andy continued his successful recovery into his 6-month recheck appointment. Dr. Filliquist was pleased that his hip’s cup and stem remained stable with bone ingrowth.

Andy is now able to return to his normal lifestyle, and his owners notice a new dog who is happier and pain free.

“He’s a different dog now,” Fenech said. “He lets us pet him on his rear now and lets us brush and massage there. He doesn’t worry about it anymore, so we know it’s fully healed. The surgery has taken his pain away completely.”

Fenech emphasized the importance of pet insurance, stating that their policy covered most of the costs and having it made things so much less worrisome.

“He’s a member of the family so I can’t see not doing the best we can for him,” he said.

“We call him Prince Andrew,” added Sheldon. “He’s taken over our hearts and our home.”

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