Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Canine hip dysplasia treated by juvenile pubic symphysiodesis. Part I: two year results of computed tomography and distraction index.
- Journal:
- Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T
- Year:
- 2010
- Authors:
- Dueland, R T et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Surgical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
This study looked at a surgical procedure called juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) to help puppies that are at risk for canine hip dysplasia (CHD), a condition where the hip joint doesn't fit properly. The researchers treated 39 puppies with this surgery when they were between 12 and 24 weeks old and then checked their hip health again at one and two years old. They found that the puppies who had the surgery showed significant improvements in hip angles and reduced looseness in the hip joint compared to those who did not have the surgery. However, puppies with more severe hip looseness still developed more arthritis over time. Overall, the surgery was effective in improving hip conformation and reducing laxity in at-risk puppies, especially when performed at a younger age.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To measure one and two year effects of juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) in puppies defined as 'at-risk' for canine hip dysplasia (CHD) using the following objective hip conformation criteria: Acetabular angle (AA), dorsal acetabular rim angle (DARA) and hip laxity (PennHIP© distraction index (DI). DESIGN: Controlled clinical case study. ANIMALS: Thirty-nine dysplastic puppies (six controls). PROCEDURES: The dogs were anaesthetised and acetabular angle, DARA, and DI values were obtained by computed tomography and radiography preoperatively. Electro-cautery fusion of the pubic symphysis was performed between 12 - 24 weeks of age. The imaging was repeated at one and two years of age. RESULTS: Significant hip improvements were seen at the two-year follow-up appointments for: AA (JPS dogs 31% increase, control 3%), DARA (JPS 38% decrease, control 15%) and DI (JPS 41% decrease in laxity, controls 20%) for all postoperative versus preoperative values. Pubic fusion occurred with minor morbidity. CONCLUSION: Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis resulted in significant improvements in hip conformation (AA and DARA), especially in mild to moderately lax hips (DI = 0.40-0.69). Most dogs with DI≥0.70 increased in osteoarthritis grade by two years of age. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis surgery at 12-24 weeks of age significantly improved hip conformation and decreased laxity in at-risk CHD dogs. Early-age (12 to 16 week) recognition of hip laxity offered greater JPS benefits than surgery performed at 19- to 24-weeks-old. Dogs with severe laxity (DI≥0.70) continued to increase in osteoarthritis. An early (12-16 weeks) positive laxity test (Ortolani) should alert one to obtain objective laxity determinations (PennHIP© DI).
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20740258/