Treatment of coxofemoral luxation in a mature Welsh pony by femoral head ostectomy: Long‐term outcome

Abstract

Summary A 233 kg, 4‐year‐old Welsh pony stallion presented with a unilateral coxofemoral luxation and a history of previous upward fixation of the patella. This condition was surgically managed by femoral head ostectomy using a craniodorsal approach to the luxated coxofemoral joint, without greater trochanteric osteotomy. Immediate improvement in weightbearing was observed after surgery and primary intention healing was recorded. Long‐term outcome, 4 years after surgery, was assessed by radiographic, ultrasonographic and lameness examination. The pony was in good body condition and the initial weight of this patient was restored. Despite fetlock hyperlaxity of the contralateral hindlimb, amyotrophy and mechanical lameness of the affected hindlimb, the pony showed evident comfort without apparent signs of pain and was able to trot and gallop. Bone callus was observed at imaging examination.

Successful total hip arthroplasty in a miniature horse

“…Experience in horses is similar, with the largest case report to date reporting that all animals undergoing FHO had mild to moderate lameness of the affected limb postoperatively 21 . In two case reports describing long‐term outcome after FHO, both horses had persistent lameness of the affected limb and developed secondary orthopedic abnormalities of the contralateral hind limb 29,30 . Total hip arthroplasty was advised in this case as the owners desired a sound horse without chronic lameness.…”

“…21 In two case reports describing long-term outcome after FHO, both horses had persistent lameness of the affected limb and developed secondary orthopedic abnormalities of the contralateral hind limb. 29,30 Total hip arthroplasty was advised in this case as the owners desired a sound horse without chronic lameness. The authors believed this technique would provide the best long-term function and quality of life postoperatively in a young animal.…”

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

“…The successful outcome is likely related to increased stability of the prosthetic reconstructions and a less invasive approach compared to previous techniques 14–16,18 . Other techniques such as excision arthroplasty of the femoral head have been performed in horses with a bodyweight of up to 230 kg 4,14,16,19 . However, horses treated this way remain chronically lame and deformities of the contralateral limb may additionally occur 16 .…”

“…[14][15][16]18 Other techniques such as excision arthroplasty of the femoral head have been performed in horses with a bodyweight of up to 230 kg. 4,14,16,19 However, horses treated this way remain chronically lame and deformities of the contralateral limb may additionally occur. 16 Alternatively total hip arthroplasty as performed in small animals might be considered, 18,20 although this option is feasible only in very small equids.…”

Successful Treatment of a Coxofemoral Luxation in a Shetland Pony by Closed Reduction and Prolonged Immobilization Using a Full-Body Animal Rescue Sling

“…Total hip arthroplasty is not an established treatment option in equids since it has only been described in a single case report, and a long-term follow-up could not be obtained because the pony succumbed to pulmonary fat embolism syndrome and small intestinal infarction following surgery [10]. Femoral head ostectomy can be performed as a last resort treatment but usually does not result in acceptable comfort except in very small equids [11][12][13].…”