Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Metal allergy can occur in dogs with orthopedic implants
By Filliquist, Barbro et al.·Published in American journal of veterinary research·2023·Department of Veterinary Surgical and Radiological Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Metal reactivity is present in dogs with tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and total hip replacement implants.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with orthopedic metal implants, specifically those who had tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) or total hip replacement (THR), were tested for metal reactivity after having the implants for over a year. The tests showed that some of these dogs reacted to metals like nickel, cobalt, and chromium, but the level of reactivity was similar to dogs without implants. This means that while some dogs with metal implants can develop a reaction to these metals, it’s not exclusive to them. If your dog has had surgery and you notice any unusual symptoms, it’s worth discussing with your vet.
People also search for: dog metal implant reaction · TPLO surgery side effects · total hip replacement dog issues
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Determine whether dogs with well-functioning orthopedic metal implants can develop metal reactivity. SAMPLE: Client-owned dogs that had tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) or total hip replacement (THR) implants for 12 months or more and control dogs with no implants. PROCEDURES: Lymphocyte transformation testing was performed by exposing peripheral blood lymphocytes to nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), or a combination of these metals. Lymphocyte proliferation was assessed with flow cytometry. Lymphocyte stimulation indexes (SIs) were calculated. A SI > 2 was considered reactive. Median SIs of dogs in response to metal exposure were compared statistically. RESULTS: Samples from 10 dogs with TPLO, 12 dogs with THR, and 7 control dogs were analyzed. Six dogs out of 22 with metal implants had a reactive SI to 1 or more metals, while 2 of 7 control dogs had a SI > 2 when exposed to nickel only. When all metals were considered, no differences in metal reactivity were found between TPLO, THR, and control groups. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Metal reactivity is present in dogs and can be identified using lymphocyte transformation testing. Reactivity to Ni is present in dogs with and without metal implants. Reactivity to Co and Cr occurs in some dogs with metal implants.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36652332/