Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Age effects on complications after total hip replacement in dogs
By Kokkinos, Panagiotis et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2025·Northwest Veterinary Specialists, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The influence of age at total hip replacement on perioperative complications associated with a press-fit cementless stem with lateral bolt in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 197 dogs, including many German shepherds, underwent total hip replacement surgery using a special type of stem. The study found that younger dogs (6-10 months old) were more likely to experience fissures during surgery, while older dogs did not show a higher risk of complications after the operation. Interestingly, German shepherds had a greater chance of experiencing fractures after surgery, despite the type of stem used. The researchers suggested that veterinarians might consider additional support for younger dogs and German shepherds during these procedures to help prevent issues.
People also search for: dog hip replacement complications · German shepherd surgery risks · juvenile dog surgery recovery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of age on perioperative stem-associated complications when total hip replacement (THR) was performed with a BFX lateral bolt stem. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective (2017-2022). SAMPLE POPULATION: A total of 197 client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records of dogs that underwent THR with a lateral bolt stem were reviewed. Perioperative complications were recorded. Stem and femoral features were measured on postoperative and follow-up radiographs. The population was divided into juveniles (6-10 months), adults (>10 months to <7 years), and older dogs (≥7 years old). Association between groups and perioperative complications was assessed. RESULTS: Two-hundred and fifty five THRs were recorded: 139 unilateral and 58 bilateral. Intraoperative and early postoperative stem complication rates were 8.6% and 2%, respectively. Juveniles were at increased risk of developing intraoperative fissures. Age was not associated with early postoperative stem complications. German shepherd dogs were associated with postoperative fractures. Subsidence was weakly, but positively, associated with weight and canal flare index. CONCLUSION: Juveniles were at increased risk of developing fissures. There was no difference in postoperative stem complications among age groups. German shepherds were at increased risk of postoperative fracture despite the use of a lateral bolt stem. More studies are required to assess the effect of giant breeds on the risk of subsidence, as well as the effect of young age on fissure development. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Age influenced the development of intraoperative, but not postoperative, stem complications with a lateral bolt stem. Prophylactic cerclage application could be considered in juvenile and German shepherd dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39815446/