Intrapelvic granuloma formation six years after total hip arthroplasty in a dog

Micro total hip replacement for dogs and cats: surgical technique and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To describe the surgical technique for the micro total hip replacement (Micro THR) system and report clinical outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

ANIMALS

Dogs (n=49) and cats (n=8) with coxofemoral arthropathy.

METHODS

Small breed dogs and cats with coxofemoral arthritis were enrolled for Micro THR. Patient data were recorded. Implant positioning and cement mantle quality were evaluated radiographically. Orthopedic examinations and client interviews were used to assess outcome.

RESULTS

Micro THR was performed unilaterally (40 dogs, 8 cats) and staged bilaterally (9 dogs) to resolve pain associated with osteoarthritis or trauma. Mean body weight was 7.2 kg. Postoperative complications included prosthesis luxation (9), cup aseptic loosening (1), and sciatic neurapraxia (1). Mean radiographic follow up was 96.1 weeks; 10 joints were followed for ≥3.0 years. Sixty of the 66 (91%) Micro THRs had excellent outcomes. Two dogs (<2.75 kg) were too small for the prosthesis and 4 dogs with unmanageable luxation had explantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Micro THR is considered a satisfactory procedure for management of small breed dogs and cats with coxofemoral disease unresponsive to medical management.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Micro THR is a viable option to treat disabling disorders of the hip. More than 170 cat and small dog breeds, and many mixed breeds, could benefit from Micro THR surgery.

Meloxicam and surgical denervation of the coxofemoral joint for the treatment of degenerative osteoarthritis in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)

An adult male white Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) with pronounced atrophy of the pelvic musculature was diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis of the coxofemoral joints. Initial management with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam and a semisynthetic sodium pentosan polysulfate resulted in clinical improvement and radiographic stabilization of the arthritic condition over several months. However, because pain was still evident, bilateral denervation of the coxofemoral joints was performed, successfully ameliorating the signs of osteoarthritic pain in the tiger. Meloxicam has shown good clinical efficacy for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other painful conditions in large felids. Coxofemoral joint denervation offers many advantages for the treatment of osteoarthritis in exotic carnivore species, and should be considered a viable treatment modality.

Total joint replacement in the dog

Total joint replacement has evolved over the past 50 years from a concept that was first attempted in people suffering from osteoarthritis to a commonly applied practice in veterinary medicine. Although many questions have been answered, several controversies still exist, with many implant and technical options being explored. Currently, total hip and elbow replacement are commercially available options viable for use in dogs. These options are detailed in this article. Joint replacement for other canine joints (ie, knee, hock, shoulder) that develop osteoarthritis likely will be developed in the near future.