Hip Luxation

Hip luxation means a dislocated hip.

This is usually caused by a traumatic event such as a fall, landing awkwardly, or being hit by a motor vehicle.

Sometimes an underlying problem such as hip dysplasia can make a dog or cat more prone to hip dislocation.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF HIP LUXATION?

Almost always, the signs of hip luxation are sudden onset severe to non-weight bearing lameness of a hindlimb; usually caused by a traumatic event.

INVESTIGATION OF HIP LUXATION

If we are suspicious that your pet is suffering from a luxated hip, investigation involves:

• Clinical examination of your pet; a dislocated hip can be strongly suspected from a physical examination
• Followed by sedation for hip x-rays or CT scan.

TREATMENT OF HIP LUXATION

If your pet is diagnosed with a dislocated hip, a variety of treatment options are available; but the right choice for you and your pet depends on a number of factors, which we will discuss, and recommend the best option for your pet.

Treatment options include:

1. Non-surgical (closed reduction); this means manipulating the hip back into position; this has an approximately 50% success rate i.e. of staying in position with no further dislocation.
2. Surgical stabilisation (open reduction). There are several techniques that can be used to stabilise a dislocated hip. The one we would use most commonly is a Hip Toggle, which replaces the torn round ligament of the femoral head. This typically results in an excellent outcome with low complication rate, although re-luxation is possible.
3. Salvage surgery: if stabilisation surgery as above is not possible or appropriate e.g. because of underlying hip dysplasia, or suffers a complication such as re-luxation then salvage surgery may be recommended. This will either be:
   • Total Hip Replacement or
   • Femoral Head and Neck Excision Arthroplasty.

Expected outcome after surgical management should be excellent, with a normal, pain-free range of joint movement and function expected. Most dogs will use the operated leg within a few days of surgery; have a mild to moderate lameness by 2 months post-op and be free of lameness and exercising normally by 4 month post-op.

Dogs or cats recovering from this condition should have significant improvement in limb function and able to comfortably walk, sit, climbing stairs, stand, run, getting into a car, play and exercise; normal to near-normal function can be expected.