Hemiepiphysiodesis for the Correction of Distal Femoral Valgus in Growing Dogs.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe hemiepiphysiodesis for the treatment of distal femoral valgus in immature dogs and to evaluate its effect on the anatomical lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA). METHODS: Skeletally immature dogs with distal femoral valgus deformities that had undergone hemiepiphysiodesis between November 2012 and March 2020 at two private veterinary practices were included. Criteria for inclusion in the study were a preoperative aLDFA below the previously published reference range (94 ± 3.3 degrees) and radiographs of the femur taken preoperatively and at growth plate closure. RESULTS: A total of 11 dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and a total of 17 limbs were treated. The mean aLDFA was 82.1 ± 3.2 degrees (range: 76-87 degrees) preoperatively and 93.1 ± 5 degrees (range: 76-99 degrees) at the final re-evaluation. The mean difference between the preoperative and final aLDFA was +11 degrees, which was significant. Undercorrection occurred in 2/17 cases, whereas overcorrection was not recorded. The implants were removed in 12/17 cases, and rebound growth occurred in 3 of these. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Hemiepiphysiodesis for the treatment of distal femoral valgus is a technique that allows for increase in aLDFA and should be considered as an early treatment in affected immature dogs. Monitoring for possible overcorrection using serial radiography is important. Implant removal when the desired aLDFA has been achieved is recommended because the incidence of rebound growth is uncommon in dogs.

Zurich Cementless Dual Mobility Cup for Canine Total Hip Prosthesis: Implant Characteristics and Surgical Outcome in 105 Cases.

Dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a troublesome complication, and a source of frustration for the owner and the surgeon. The dislocation rate of hip prostheses in dogs is reported to range from 4 to 15%, representing the most common short-term complication. This is especially true in large and giant breed dogs, usually requiring revision surgery. With the increase in the number of THA being performed in veterinary surgery, reducing or preventing complications such as postoperative THA dislocation will be of paramount importance. The Zurich cementless dual mobility (DM) system allows impingement-free range of angulation of 80 to 132 degrees between the ceramic head and the polyether ether ketone (PEEK) cup when combined with the range of the PEEK cup in the outer metal cup. In this article, we review the use of the DM cup in THA in large and giant breed dogs, in terms of its history, biomechanics, outcomes and complications based on 105 cases.