Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Ron and Sarah, welcome. Your future posts won't require approval.

Well congrats on your new pup! What's his name?

I hadn't heard of this orthopedic procedure but a quick Google search reveals a lot of good information. Here's how Colorado State U describes it:

Therapeutic Options for Immature Canine Hip Dysplasia (hip-laxity stage)
 Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) – this is a fusion of the pubis that, when properly
performed, causes the acetabulum (“socket of the hip”) to rotate over the femoral head (“ball of
the hip joint”) as the pelvis develops; it actually affects the development of both hips at the
same time! Because this procedure relies upon pelvic growth it must be performed early in
the development of the pelvis (before 20 weeks in large breeds of dogs). It is quite simple to
perform, relatively inexpensive, both hips are treated simultaneously, and puppies are released
with only mild exercise restrictions for 2 weeks after surgery.

So it sounds like your dog is quite young? Apparently this can be very successful but it has to happen asap if you do it, so you can't bat this idea aroud too much from what it sounds like.

From Veterinary Practice News

The best timing for JPS is about 4 months. Studies show that waiting just one month beyond that age significantly decreases the effectiveness of JPS.

The main challenge of JPS is therefore early screening of puppies at risk for hip dysplasia (German shepherds, Labradors, golden retrievers) or knowing the parents’ hip conformation. Some surgeons recommend taking radiographs of at-risk puppies before 4 months, which could be done at the time of prepubertal neutering. Intact puppies must be neutered at the time of the JPS. Otherwise, puppies with “artificially” improved hip conformation could be bred by an unethical owner and spread poor genes.

In that case, I would get a second opinion from a teaching hospital, if at all possible. For expensive surgeries like this that's what I always recommend, since teaching hospitals know all of the most recent procedures and aren't profit motivated so you tend to get a more straightforward answer.

If it's the recovery part that you're concerned about, be sure to check out Murphy's story. He had a total hip replacement as a very young Tripawd and is doing GREAT. We've had several Tripawds here have leg surgeries on remaining limbs and although the recovery can be challenging it's not impossible.

Again, welcome to the community and thanks for giving your dog an awesome home!