Clinical and radiographic evaluation of intertrochanteric osteotomy in dogs: a retrospective study of 18 dogs.

Abstract

To determine whether intertrochanteric osteotomy (ITO) can prevent the progression of degenerative joint disease (DJD) in dysplastic hip joints. The results of ITO were assessed retrospectively by using owner questionnaires, physical examination, and radiographic evaluation. Eighteen client-owned dogs (29 coxofemoral joints were evaluated). Lameness was scored according to a grading system. A scoring system was also developed to assess radiographically evident osteoarthritis on a ventrodorsal projection of the coxofemoral joints in extension. Twenty-nine ITO were performed in 18 dogs with varying degrees of hip dysplasia. The dogs were lame on 19 of 29 rear limbs on physical examination before surgery. In 22 of the 29 hip joints, palpation caused signs of pain. The median age at the first and second surgical procedure was 14.5 months and 18 months, respectively. Follow-up evaluation was performed on average at 9.77 (FU I), 22.52 (FU II), and 47.50 months (FU III) after surgery. Based on the owners' evaluation, there was a tendency toward improvement after surgery. The results of the physical examination at the preoperative examination and at the three follow-up examinations did not differ significantly. The follow-up radiographic scores showed significantly worse DJD than the preoperative scores. ITO does not prevent progression of DJD in the dysplastic hip. Knowledge of the long-term effects of ITO is essential for surgeons trying to achieve improvement in dogs with hip dysplasia.