Effects of pubic symphysiodesis in dysplastic puppies

Objective-To determine the long-term effects of juvenile pubic symphysiodes is (JPS) in dysplastic puppies. Study Design-prospective, randomized. clinical trial. Animals-Seven dysplastic Chesapeake Bay retrievers and 2 beagle-crosses (BX 1 and 2). Methods-Five puppies had JPS performed with electrocauterization at 12, 16, 20, 22, and 24 weeks of age, respectively. Two puppies served as controls. BX1 and BX2 were used to obtain biopsies of the symphysis. Hips were evalu ated for: pelvic development (transverse computerized tomography for acetab ular angle [AA] and dorsal acetabular rim angle [DARA]); laxity [hip extend ed and stress radiography [distraction index (DI)]): Ortolani maneuver with reduction angles: acetabular coverage (Norberg angles); and function (coxo femoral range of motion, hip pain, and gait analysis by force-plate techniq ue at 44 and 137 weeks of age). Results-The pubis fused prematurely in every puppy that was operated on wit h the JPS technique. Greater acetabular responses were related to younger a ges at surgery. The final mean AA in dogs that had JPS was 25 degrees great er than preoperative values: 40% increased over control. The DARA final mea n was 10 degrees, 52% less than preoperative values and 46% less than contr ol. The final mean DI in dogs having JPS was 0.28, 47% improved over preope rative values and 58% better than control. Mean pelvic dimensions in dogs t hat had JPS were 18% less than control. Gait analyses were normal for all d ogs at 137 weeks. No urinary or bowel complications occurred. Conclusions-Significant ventrolateral acetabular rotation, increased hip co verage, diminished hip laxity, normal pain-free gait, and insignificantly r educed pelvic size occurred after JPS. Clinical Significance-Dysplastic hips in young dogs were significantly impr oved by JPS. (C) Copyright 2001 by The American College of Veterinary Surge ons.