A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 35 DOGS

Objective: To determine whether intertrochanteric osteotomy (ITO) can prevent the progression of degenerative joint disease in dysplastic hip joints.

Design: The results of ITO were assessed retrospectively by using physical examination and radiographic evaluation.

Procedure: ITO was performed in 35 client-owned dogs with varying degrees of hip dysplasia. Lameness, pain and radiographic evident osteoarthrosis were scored according to a grading system.

Results: Thirty-five ITO were performed. All dogs were lame on physical examination before surgery. In 31 dogs, palpation caused signs of pain. Follow-up examination was performed on an average of 30 and 60 months after surgery. The results of the physical examination and radiographic evaluation at the preoperative examination and at the two follow-ups differ significantly for pain, lameness and radiographic evidence of OA, where pain and lameness were improved after surgery and OA had progressed by more than one degree in all dogs. Age at time of surgery did not affect results significantly. One dog fractured the greater trochanter three days after surgery.

Conclusions: Progression of OA was not related to age at time of surgery and was not prevented by ITO. The method of fixation represented an option for fixation following ITO.