Published January 17, 2011 12:00AM
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Canine joint replacements are becoming more common, reports The New York Times. New hips, knees and elbows allow dogs to prolong careers such as assisting the disabled, participating in police activity and hunting.
Veterinarians have been replacing doggie joints for two decades, but a minimally invasive surgery was only developed in 2008. The average cost for such a procedure (sans physical therapy) is $5,000, which perhaps explains why only 90 dogs worldwide have received total elbow replacements.
–Whitney Dreier