Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Successful total hip arthroplasty in a miniature horse.
- Journal:
- Veterinary surgery : VS
- Year:
- 2023
- Authors:
- Cullen, Matthew D et al.
- Affiliation:
- Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital · United Kingdom
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old miniature horse stallion weighing 85 kg had a serious hip problem where his hip joint was dislocated for about six weeks. After confirming the issue with a special scan, he underwent a surgery called total hip arthroplasty (THA), which involved fitting new parts into his hip joint. Although he had a brief episode where he seemed unresponsive after surgery, he recovered well and was sent home about three and a half weeks later. When checked again three months after the surgery, he had only a slight limp but could canter normally, and he has been doing well without any further veterinary care for over two and a half years. Overall, the surgery was successful and led to a good long-term recovery for the horse.
Abstract
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.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37752689/