Postamputation Orthopedic Surgery in Canine Amputees: Owner Satisfaction and Outcome

A case report of a cementless total hip replacement performed in a pelvic limb amputee after a failed surgical reduction of a traumatic coxo-femoral luxation with a toggle rod

Coxo-femoral luxation is the most common luxation seen in dogs after road traffic accidents. There are multiple surgical techniques to repair the luxation. These range from a capsular reconstruction to a total hip replacement. This case report describes a total hip replacement to repair a failed toggle rod repair of a coxo-femoral luxation in a Greyhound pelvic limb amputee. The dog returned to normal activity as a household pet three months post-surgery and at the last follow-up consultation at 12 months post-surgery the dog was able to maintain an acceptable activity level as an amputee with no radiographic signs of complications.

Total hip replacement in a cat with contralateral pelvic limb amputation

Case summary

A 10-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat, which had previously had its contralateral pelvic limb amputated, was treated for coxofemoral degenerative joint disease (DJD) with a total hip replacement. The long-term outcome was favourable and no complications were recorded. Interestingly, the contralateral coxofemoral joint left at the time of the previous amputation developed DJD and became a source of pain for the cat and was subsequently excised.

Relevance and novel information

This case report shows that total hip replacement is a viable option in cats with coxofemoral DJD and a contralateral limb amputation. Retained joints in amputated limbs may develop osteoarthritis and be a source of pain for a cat.

Case report: Total hip replacement using Innoplant system in a dog with chronic hip luxation and contralateral pelvic limb amputation

A 6-year-old female neutered Border Collie presented with an inability to walk. The patient had undergone pelvic limb amputation over a year prior. Orthopedic examination revealed discomfort during hip manipulation, and radiographic examination revealed chronic hip luxation. Total hip replacement was performed using the InnoPlant system, which includes modular screw-in cementless pieces to improve implant stability. Cage rest was for the first four postoperative weeks. Subsequently, assistance was provided while standing until the patient could stand unassisted at 10 postoperative weeks. The clinical and radiological outcomes were excellent 3 months postoperatively. Since it is a new system, there are no data regarding the use of the components of the Innoplant system in dogs with a contralateral amputated pelvic limb. This is the first report describing the use of the Innoplant system for total hip replacement in a dog with a contralateral amputated pelvic limb. Based on the clinical outcomes of this case, the use of an Innoplant prosthesis can be an effective treatment option for dogs with contralateral amputated limbs.

Total hip replacement in dogs with contralateral pelvic limb amputation: A retrospective evaluation of 13 cases

OBJECTIVE

To report the clinical characteristics, surgical management, and medium-term outcomes of total hip replacement (THR) performed in dogs with previous contralateral pelvic limb amputation.

ANIMALS

Thirteen client-owned dogs.

STUDY DESIGN

Multi-institutional retrospective clinical study.

METHODS

Data recorded from medical records included signalment, indication for amputation and THR, and surgical complications. Implant positioning and complications were assessed on radiographs. Clinical outcomes were evaluated during follow-up examinations by one of the authors and through a mobility- and lifestyle-based questionnaire completed by owners.

RESULTS

All 13 dogs had satisfactory clinical results at follow-up a median of 3 months (range, 2-36) after THR. No postoperative luxation was recorded. Four dogs had minor complications that did not require additional treatment. The only major complication was one failure of osseointegration of a cementless acetabular cup, and it was successfully revised.

CONCLUSION

Total hip replacement resulted in satisfactory clinical results and acceptable morbidity in this population.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Total hip replacement should be considered in dogs with severe coxofemoral joint disease and contralateral pelvic limb amputation.

Stance and weight distribution after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in fore limb and hind limb amputee dogs

Background

Little is known about the weight distribution to the remaining limbs for amputee dogs that undergo orthopedic surgery.

The objective of the paper was to describe stance and weight distribution after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in forelimb and in hind limb amputees (Amp_TPLO) and to compare them to four-legged TPLO patients (4L_TPLO) and amputees without TPLO (Amp). Weight bearing distribution at a stance was compared between groups. Joint angles of forelimb and hind limb joints in a sagittal plane, hind limb orientation in a frontal plane, and pelvic orientation in a transverse plane (pelvic tilt) were measured and compared between groups.

Results

Joint angles, hind limb abduction, and pelvic tilt of Amp_TPLO and Amp did not differ statistically. Mean weight bearing in the operated hind limb was higher for Amp_TPLO than 4L_TPLO. Mean weight bearing for thoracic limbs of Amp_TPLO and 4L_TPLO did not differ statistically. Weight bearing of the hind limb of Amp_TPLO and Amp did not differ statistically.

Conclusions

The position of the center of mass and posture of Amp_TPLO and Amp does not differ. The weight distribution and posture of Amp is not impacted negatively by TPLO.