Fractures of the hip are serious and common injuries in dogs and cats, often resulting from high-energy traumas such as car accidents, falls from heights, or confrontations with other animals.
These fractures can affect the acetabulum (the socket in the pelvic bone where the femur head fits), the ilium, ischium, pubis, and even the sacroiliac joints. Hip fractures can be extremely painful and debilitating, significantly affecting the mobility and quality of life of the animal.
The severity and type of hip fracture vary according to the nature and intensity of the trauma. In many cases, hip fractures are associated with additional injuries, such as damage to surrounding soft tissues, hip dislocations, or nerve and blood vessel injuries.
The main clinical sign in these patients is difficulty in standing up; some may also have difficulty defecating due to pelvic discomfort caused by the fracture.
Accurate diagnosis of hip fractures in dogs and cats is essential to determine the appropriate treatment. This usually involves a combination of physical examination, X-rays, and, in some cases, advanced imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT). The use of abdominal ultrasound is essential in the initial assessment to evaluate soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma.
These exams help assess the extent of the injury, determine if there are displaced bone fragments, and identify associated injuries that may affect prognosis and surgical planning.
The treatment of hip fractures in dogs and cats can be challenging and involves a multifaceted approach to restore stability and function to the hip joint. In many cases, surgery is required to realign bone fragments and stabilize the fracture, especially in cases of sacroiliac dislocation, ilium fractures, and acetabular fractures.
There are several surgical options available, but the most common for the region includes internal fixation with plates and screws and the use of compressive screws for sacroiliac joints.
The choice of surgical procedure depends on various factors, including the location and severity of the fracture, the age and size of the patient, the presence of associated injuries, and the surgeon's experience.
In addition to surgery, the treatment of hip fractures in dogs and cats generally involves supportive care such as pain control, activity restriction, and physiotherapy. Postoperative rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the patient's recovery, helping to restore muscle strength, range of motion, and normal joint function.
It is important to note that the prognosis for hip fractures in dogs and cats may vary depending on various factors, including the severity of the injury, the age and overall health of the patient, the quality of postoperative care, and adherence to rehabilitation instructions. In many cases, with proper treatment and diligent care, animals can fully recover and return to a good quality of life after a hip fracture.
However, in some severe or complicated cases, long-term complications such as degenerative osteoarthritis or changes in gait and mobility may occur. Therefore, early identification and appropriate treatment of hip fractures are essential to ensure the best possible outcomes for affected patients. References
Shiju, Simon & Ganesh, Rakshita & Ayyappan, Subbu & Rao, G. & Kumar, R. & Das, V.. (2010). Incidences of pelvic limb fractures in dogs: A survey of 478 cases. Veterinary World. 3.
About the Autor
Felipe Garofallo is a veterinarian (CRMV/SP 39,972), specialized in orthopedics and neurosurgery of dogs and cats, and owner of Ortho for Pets: Veterinary Orthopedics and Specialties.