Interesting Cases

Rex is a 10-month-old golden retriever who was unfortunately hit by a car. He was seen 1 week after the incident and could not bear weight on his left rear leg.

X-rays show a fracture of his femur at the growth plate near the hip joint. This is a common fracture in young animals that are involved in moderate to severe trauma. Surgical options included a compressive screw, multiple steel pins placed in triangulated fashion or femoral head/neck excision.

We elected to perform a femoral head and neck excision due to the time between the injury and diagnosis as well as the expected prognosis for the pet. This procedure is commonly performed in pets with arthritic hips or dislocated hips. The head of the femur and neck is removed to eliminate bone on bone contact. The false joint that is created eliminates pain.

Muscle stiffness and contraction initially slowed Rex's recovery. Running on 3 legs seemed easier. Daily physical therapy, walking on hilly terrain and playtime with our staff's family pets at lunch time have helped immensely. To date he uses his leg 90% if the time.

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