Case report: Imaging of septic arthritis in the hip joint of a calf treated with femoral head ostectomy

A 24-day-old male Japanese Black calf presented with weight-bearing lameness in the left hind limb and a swollen pelvis. Ultrasonography revealed the accumulation of fluidity materials with a mixture of hyper- and hypo-echogenicity, enclosed by 5-10-mm-thick capsular structures. On the ventral-dorsal radiograph of the pelvis, irregular and radiolucent osseous changes were evident in the femoral head and acetabulum within the swollen hip joint, with soft-tissue density. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the relationship between the bony and soft tissue lesions, which was suspected following ultrasonography and radiography, and provided additional findings, such as intra-articular accumulation of gas and the degree of osteolytic changes. Based on the imaging findings and cytology of the arthrocentesis specimen, the patient was diagnosed with hip arthritis and osteomyelitis of the femoral head. Additionally, the severity of the lesions supported our decision to perform a femoral head ostectomy. The postoperative radiographic and CT findings of the treated pelvis were helpful in evaluating the efficacy of this technique. Following treatment, the animal could walk and showed normal development, although it was three postoperative months before weight-bearing lameness improved. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the combined use of ultrasonography, radiography, and CT in the diagnosis, preoperative planning, and evaluation of the postoperative effects of bovine hip arthritis. Additionally, this report details the therapeutic efficacy of femoral head ostectomy for bovine hip arthritis, a technique that has not been reported previously.

Successful total hip arthroplasty in a miniature horse

OBJECTIVE

To describe the surgical treatment, postoperative management, and outcome of a miniature horse undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA).

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

ANIMALS

A 4-year-old miniature horse stallion weighing 85 kg.

METHODS

The horse presented with left coxofemoral luxation of ~6 weeks duration. Computed tomography confirmed craniodorsal luxation with marked degenerative changes to the femoral head. The horse underwent THA using cementless press fit implants, including an interlocking lateral bolt for the femoral stem.

RESULTS

The horse recovered well from anesthesia but suffered a coma-like episode after returning to a stable. Following treatment of presumed hypovolemia, the horse regained normal mentation and was discharged 24 days after surgery. At reassessment 12 weeks postoperatively, the horse was 2/10 left hind limb lameness at trot with good healing of the surgery site. Five months postoperatively mild (1/10) lameness remained at trot but the horse was able to canter normally on both reins. The horse has since been managed normally with no veterinary treatment required for 32 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Total hip arthroplasty is possible in miniature horses weighing up to 85 kg and can result in a good long-term outcome.

Modified toggle pin technique combined with prosthetic capsular reconstruction for surgical stabilization of coxofemoral luxation in a Shetland pony

OBJECTIVE

To describe open reduction and surgical stabilization of a coxofemoral luxation in a pony using a modified toggle pin technique and prosthetic joint capsule reconstruction without osteotomy of the greater trochanter.

ANIMAL

A 2-year-old Shetland pony with a bodyweight of 167 kg.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

METHODS

Radiographic examination confirmed craniodorsal luxation of the left coxofemoral joint. An open reduction with the aid of a pulley system was performed. A toggle pin was inserted through a bone tunnel extending from the level of the femoral shaft through the femoral head and the center of the acetabulum for the pin to be positioned on the medial wall of the acetabulum. FiberWire was subsequently passed through the cranial and caudal aspects of the acetabulum as well as a transverse tunnel in the femoral neck in a figure of 8 to facilitate capsular reconstruction. The pony was placed in a sling for 8 weeks and gradually returned to normal activity over 2 months.

RESULTS

Postoperative radiographic examination confirmed the position of the femoral head in the acetabulum with the implants in place. On 2-year follow-up the pony was sound at walk and trot.

CONCLUSION

A combined intra- and extra-articular stabilization technique for coxofemoral luxation in a pony resulted in successful long-term reduction and excellent outcome.

Femoral head ostectomy for the treatment of acetabular fracture and coxofemoral joint luxation in a Potbelly pig

OBJECTIVE

To report the successful surgical treatment of a comminuted left acetabular fracture, a dorsally luxated left femoral head, and avulsion of the ligament of the femoral head by femoral head ostectomy (FHO) and physical therapy in a companion Potbelly pig.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

ANIMALS

A 1-year-old, 13 kg, castrated male, companion Potbelly pig.

METHODS

The pig presented with a nonweight bearing left pelvic limb lameness of 3 weeks' duration that was noticed shortly after the pig got caught under a fence. Under general anesthesia a lateral approach was made to the fractured limb. A FHO was performed as described for dogs. Following surgery, a period of physical therapy was initiated based on protocols described for dogs.

RESULTS

The canine surgical procedure with the approach modified for pigs was successfully performed in our pig. Following surgery, the pig was comfortable and weight bearing. A physical therapy regimen of supervised activity, stairs, and water therapy was used to rehabilitate the leg, as well as a weight management protocol to maintain ideal body condition. The owner was highly satisfied with the outcome. Telephone follow-up with the owner at 12 months after surgery revealed no impairment to movement, and the pig was maintaining normal ambulation without lameness. No complications were observed with this case.

CONCLUSION

FHO, as described for dogs, provided a favorable outcome for hip luxation caused by acetabular fracture, luxation, and avulsion of the femoral head ligament in this small size Potbelly pig.