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Total Hip Replacement in an Alpaca Using a Cementless Implant
Author(s) -
SCHULZ KARA L.,
ROUSH JAMES K.,
ANDERSON DAVID E.,
HOOTS ERIC
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
veterinary surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1532-950X
pISSN - 0161-3499
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-950x.2008.00458.x
Subject(s) - medicine , lameness , prosthesis , implant , surgery , gait , total hip replacement , physical therapy
Objective— To report use of a cementless total hip prosthesis in an alpaca. Study Design— Case report. Animals— Alpaca (n=1) with chronic craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation. Methods— A 2.5‐year‐old Suri alpaca, 3 months pregnant, was admitted for evaluation of acute onset severe left hind limb lameness (grade 4/5) of 6 weeks duration. After diagnosis of craniodorsal luxation of the left femoral head, total hip replacement (THR) using a cementless implant was performed because of the poor prognosis for reduction of a chronic luxation. Results— A press‐fit prosthesis was used and the alpaca delivered a live cria 8 months later. Persistent mild mechanical lameness remained after surgery, with moderate reduction in mobility of the coxofemoral joint. The prosthesis was stable and correctly positioned at 7 weeks and at 9 months. There was mild exostosis surrounding the proximal aspect of the femur at 9 months, and Steinmann pins used to repair the trochanteric osteotomy were removed because of migration. At 1 year, the alpaca has a slight gait abnormality, remains with the herd on pasture and has been re‐bred. Conclusion— Chronic coxofemoral luxation in an alpaca can be managed by THR. Clinical Relevance— THR is a viable treatment option in alpacas with severe coxofemoral disease.