Micro total hip replacement in dogs and cats.

Objective: To describe the surgical technique using power-assisted femoral preparation and clinical outcome in 41 dogs and 2 cats surgically treated with the micro total hip prosthesis.

Study Design: Retrospective case series

Animals: Dogs (n = 41) and 2 cats

Methods: Medical records (January 2007-March 2010) of dogs and cats that had MicroTHR were reviewed. Data regarding implant position, cement mantle quality, concurrent surgery, intra- and postoperative complications, operative time, 3-week and 3-month recheck physical examinations, 3-month pelvic radiograph findings, and interval from surgery to any complication were retrieved.

Results: Six dogs had staged bilateral MicroTHR, 35 dogs and 2 cats had unilateral MicroTHR. Median body weight was 8.2 kg (range, 2.1-14.2 kg) whereas for those that had complications (fracture or luxation) it was 8.6 kg (range, 6.6-14.1 kg). Median operative time was 71 minutes (range, 55-105 minutes). Complications included luxations (5 of 49; 10%) and femoral fracture (1; 2%). Lameness grades assigned at the 3-month recheck examination: 39 (80%) animals were grade 1, 6 (12%) were grade 2, and 4 (8%) were grade 3. Forty-five animals (92%) had good or excellent results.

Conclusions: MicroTHR is a practical and effective surgery in small breed dogs and cats with coxofemoral disease.