Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Miniature horse with hip injury gets successful surgery
By Cullen, Matthew D et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2023·Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Successful total hip arthroplasty in a miniature horse.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old miniature horse stallion was brought in for a left hip injury that had lasted about six weeks. After imaging confirmed a serious dislocation and damage to the hip joint, the horse underwent a total hip replacement surgery. Although he experienced a brief episode of confusion after the procedure, he recovered well and was discharged 24 days later. At a follow-up appointment 12 weeks post-surgery, he showed only mild lameness and was able to canter normally. Now, five months later, he has minimal lameness and has been living without any veterinary treatment for over two and a half years.
People also search for: miniature horse hip surgery recovery · horse lameness after surgery · total hip replacement in horses
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 on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37752689/