Krystalli A.A. DVM, PhD, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Kazakos G.M. DVM, PhD, Professor Companion Animal Clinic, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Sideri A.I. DVM, PhD, Assistant Professor, Clinic of Surgery, School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece | Papaefthymiou S.K. DVM, Postgraduate student, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Anatolitou A. DVM, MSc, PhD, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Prassinos N.N. DVM, PhD, Professor Companion Animal Clinic, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Introduction
Femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) is a simple and effective surgical technique, which improves animals’ well-being, as it provides a satisfactory and painless joint function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a range of perioperative factors on the outcome of the procedure.
Materials and methods
During twelve years (2006-2018), 108 client-owned dogs underwent FHNE due to various coxofemoral problems, at the Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
The criteria for animals’ inclusion into the study were: a) good general condition, b) lameness was caused by a sole hip joint problem that treated by FHNE c) the other limbs did not present lameness of grade ≥2 and finally d) the ability to follow-up or communicate with the dog owner for at least 1 year postoperatively.
Results
A positive correlation was found between the time of limb’s weight bearing and the chronicity of the disease that led to FHNE. In contrast, age and body weight of the dog, as well as limitation of activity, administration of analgesia and performance of physical therapy postoperatively did not affect the time of limb’s weight bearing. Coxofemoral luxation and aseptic necrosis of the femoral head were the most frequent indications of FHNE, in contrast to acetabular fractures and hip dysplasia, which were the rarest.
Conclusions
The study concluded that FHNE should be performed in recent cases, in order the time of limb’s weight bearing to be reduced.
