The surgical treatment of the coxofemoral luxation with a transarticular pin in dogs and cats

From 1993 to 1999 3 7 patients (3 4 dogs and 3 cats) with a craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation were treated with a temporary transarticular pin. The dogs were divided into two groups by their bodyweight (< 20 kg and greater than or equal to 20 kg). In the group of dogs < 20 kg (19 dogs) 13 had a perfect healing and 4 healed after pin breakage between the femoral head and the acetabulum. 17 dogs were healed altogether. 2 dogs needed a femoral head and neck excision after reluxation. In the group of dogs greater than or equal to 20 kg (15 dogs) I I patients were cured without any complications, whereas 2 dogs had a pin breakage without reluxation. Two other dogs needed a femoral head and neck excision. One dog had a pin breakage with reluxation of the femoral head and the other one developed an osteomyelitis. The 3 cats had a successful surgery without pin breakage and reluxation. The success rate of this surgical method was altogether 89,2 %. It is a favourable, relatively easy surgical method to be recommended as a treatment of the coxofemoral luxation.