4530. Success of Ehmer Sling in one poodle's Right Hip dislocation - Video

30 Dec 2022:

A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME USING THE EHMER SLING TO TREAT A RIGHT HIP DISLOCATION POODLE

Veterinary Case Study by:
Dr Sing Kong Yuen, BVMS (Glasgow)
30 Dec 2022

This merged video is to share information with pet owners and vets that the Ehmer Sling, applied by Vet 1, has been successful in reducing the poodle's right dislocated hip, although it was applied for only 4 days on 8 Nov 2022. The owner contacted me on 12 Nov 2022 because Vet 1 could not give her an appointment within 24 hours.

The dog was in great pain (lst 2 of merged video with blue sling at home) panting and giving a foul smell. The owner wanted me to take out the Ehmer Sling, wash the exposed muscles of the inguinal-thigh wound of 3 cm across and re-apply the sling.

It was not in the interest of the dog. I convinced her that the Ehmer Sling had to be removed. She said, " I want a new sling to be applied after cleaning up the wound."

"No," I said. "The dog has a bad odour and is in great pain due to the tight sling. The sling can be applied a few days later. In any case, the dog is suffering from infections of the open skin wound".

We kept in touch via WhatsApp and tele-conversation. On 27 December, 2022, I got the owner to send me a video. It showed that the dog was able to walk and support the right hind limb (Merged video 2:02 - 2:15). So, that is a happy ending for her and for the beloved pet.  

CONCLUSION:

There is little information on the success rates of Ehmer Sling in reducing hip dislocation in dogs. The usual and Toa Payoh Vets' recommendation is 7 – 14 days of the Ehmer Sling on the dog. In this case, the Sling was taken out by me on Day 4, but the dog has had recovered well to put weight on the right hind foot as evident in the video on Day 44.

The following is required when Ehmer Sling is applied:
1. The dog should be a small breed.
2. The hip dislocation should be dorso-lateral, but NOT ventro-latera..

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Toa Payoh Vets or me at +65 9668-6468

UPDATES AT:
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2022/12/4530-success-of-ehmer-sling-in-one.html

MORE PHOTOS AND X-RAY AT:
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2022/11/4405-old-female-poodle-keeps-licking.html

SOME HISTORY
WHATSAPP BY OWNER TO AND FROM DR SING

[9:58 pm, 12/11/2022] +65 XXX: Hi Dr Sing, my name is June. You’ve helped to spay my toy poodle when she’s young, and we have brought her to your clinic on a few occasions too.
[10:00 pm, 12/11/2022] +65 XXX: She just undergo a closed hip reduction surgery (right hind leg) on 8 Nov 2022. It was a sudden decision taken the moment her x-ray showed dislocated hip.
[10:01 pm, 12/11/2022] +65 XXX: Post surgery, now both legs are red, swollen and is giving out a sticky, yellowish bloody discharge. I am unsure if her ehmer sling is still in place. I have videos and photos, if you require.
[10:01 pm, 12/11/2022] +65 XXX: We would like to seek your advice regarding her condition. Thank you, Dr Sing.

[10:28 pm, 12/11/2022] David Sing: Take out the blue sling (Ehmer Sling) now. Too tight
[10:28 pm, 12/11/2022] David Sing: Blue sling now
[10:30 pm, 12/11/2022] +65 XXX: Blue sling was bandaged during closed reduction on 8 Nov, so yes it is new.
[10:32 pm, 12/11/2022] David Sing: Take out the blue sling now… too tight
[10:38 pm, 12/11/2022] +65 XXX: I am unable to remove sligh. Doggy yelps loudly when touched. She moves her body very roughly.
[10:38 pm, 12/11/2022] +65 XXX: I’m worried abt her hip popping out by my actions. Didn’t manage.
[10:39 pm, 12/11/2022] David Sing: Tomorrow ask your vet to review
[10:39 pm, 12/11/2022] David Sing: As dog needs sedation to remove it
[10:41 pm, 12/11/2022] +65 XXX: Ok. The vet is only working next Tue.
[10:42 pm, 12/11/2022] David Sing: What is name of clinic? (Name given. The clinic has a long waiting list, hence will not give early appointment to this owner.)

[10:43 pm, 12/11/2022] +65 XXX: Dr Sing, can I ask if doggy hip is out of the Elmer sling already?

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27 DEC 2022 - DAY 44 AFTER I HAD REMOVED THE EHMER SLING.
                          DAY 48 AFTER THE SLING WAS APPLIED BY VET 1

 [3:57 am, 27/12/2022] +65 XXX: Hi Dr Sing,
This is a video of dog walking. She just finished her meal and is walking to the yard toilet.
[3:57 am, 27/12/2022] +65 XXX: Taken 26 Dec
[11:13 am, 27/12/2022] David Sing: Thanks for great video. Dog is as good as can be in walking. No more walking on slope or licking lower body as this may cause hip dislocation
[11:13 am, 27/12/2022] David Sing: Please send photo of did standing
[11:29 am, 27/12/2022] David Sing: photo of dog standing ( back view)
[6:23 pm, 27/12/2022] +65 XXX: Good evening, Dr Sing.

Dog can walk relatively ok, very very slight limp. Based on your experience Doctor, does it look like the bone is still inside the socket?

She is still on ecollar because when I remove, she will lick the dander that’s on her leg outer thigh. The scales can be removed during bath, but can form as fast as the next day. I used nizoral ketoconazole 1%, or Dermcare Malaseb medicated dog shampoo.

Thank you.

-------------------

Dog walks almost as good as normal. Cannot expect 100%.

 

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SOME IMAGES IN DECEMBER 2022 showing the dog walking "normally". This means no more hopping or limping showing that the right hip is reduced inside the hip joint. No X-ray is done to save money for this owner. She is fully satisfied and very happy as she would have to spend more money had I re-apply the Ehmer sling as she wanted it to be done. 

 

More infections, delays of healing and malnutrition and death could be the outcome if I listened to what the client wanted.

Another video explained the beginning of the case.