Total hip arthroplasty in nine canine hind limb amputees: A retrospective study

Objective-To determine the outcome of total hip arthroplasty in canine hind limb amputees. Study Design-Retrospective evaluation of clinical cases. Methods-Data recorded from the medical records of nine dogs included patien t signalment, indication for amputation and total hip arthroplasty (THA), i nterval between amputation and THA, and surgical complications. Radiographs were used to assess implant orientation and evidence of complications. Fun ctional outcome was assessed using direct patient evaluation by one of the authors or primary surgeons, or through telephone interview between the pri mary author and the owner. Results-Seven dogs ultimately had a good or excellent clinical results. Com plications occurred in five dogs. Four dogs luxated the prosthetic joint wi thout an obvious traumatic event within 9 weeks of the initial surgery. Rev ision surgeries resulted in successful coxofemoral reduction in three of fo ur dogs. There were no clinical or radiographic findings suggestive of impl ant loosening or infection. Conclusion-THA can be a successful salvage procedure in the canine hindlimb amputee with disabling, non-neoplastic, noninfectious coxofemoral disease. The risk of luxation in the early postoperative period is high and revisio n surgery is required for stabilization. Clinical Relevance-THA is a successful procedure in the canine hindlimb amp utee, however the incidence of complications is high. (C) Copyright 1999 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.