Diagnostic Procedures and Surgical Treatment of Craniodorsal Coxofemoral Luxation in a dwarf rabbit

Abstract

To our knowledge, there are no sufficient reports on the full management of hip luxation in rabbits, including descriptions of the diagnostics procedure with the use of computed tomography, surgical procedure, and postoperative management with a measurable assessment of the results. The objective of this study was to report on a computed tomography examination of a coxofemoral joint in a rabbit, a surgical technique for the repair of craniodorsal coxofemoral dislocation, as well as short- and long-term postoperative outcomes. Craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation was diagnosed by physical examination and radiographic examination. A craniodorsal luxation of the femoral head and the presence of an intact femoral neck were confirmed by computed tomography. An ostectomy of the femoral head and neck was performed using a craniolateral open approach. The coxofemoral luxation was successfully reduced, and reluxation did not occur. At short- and long-term follow-ups, in parallel with clinical examination, an extensive pain assessment protocol was applied. CT proved to be a simple and effective technique and should be considered as an alternative to radiographic examination for diagnosis of coxofemoral luxation in rabbits. An immediate surgical intervention in hip dislocation in rabbits is necessary to alleviate pain associated with the movement of the injured joint and to avoid development of degenerative changes. In follow-up examinations after the procedure, a reliable assessment of postoperative pain and the effectiveness of perioperative analgesia should be made by introducing a postoperative pain assessment protocol. It could simplify an objective comparison between outcomes of different orthopaedic procedures in rabbits.