Morphometric assessment of hip dysplasia in a cat treated by juvenile pubic symphysiodesis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively evaluate the change of the coxofemoral joints using computed tomography and distraction index in a cat with hip dysplasia treated by juvenile pubic symphysiodesis. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMAL: Eighteen-week-old female entire Maine Coon cat. RESULTS: Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis resulted in changes in the distraction index, acetabular angle, dorsal acetabular rim angle, dorsal acetabular sector angle, and clinical improvement at the six month follow-up. No intra-operative or postoperative complications were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis performed at 18 weeks of age resulted in improvement in hip joint conformation and hip laxity in a dysplastic cat. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis may be a promising treatment for feline hip dysplasia and is a safe and technically simple procedure to perform. Further investigations are warranted.