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Return to Athletic Activity of a Shetland Pony Mare with Coxofemoral Luxation Treated by Femoral Head Ostectomy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Femoral head ostectomy is considered a salvage procedure in the treatment of chronic coxofemoral joint luxation in small equids. Permanent lameness of varying degrees, largely depending on the animal's weight, and potential contralateral limb deformity may occur. The purpose of this study was to report the outcome of a small equid that, despite undergoing a femoral head ostectomy for a chronic coxofemoral joint luxation, was able to return to being ridden by children and to athletic activities. METHODS: An 8-year-old Shetland pony mare (180 kg) was presented for a chronic right hind limb lameness (5/5 AAEP grading score) of 12-days duration caused by a craniodorsal coxofemoral joint luxation and permanent upward fixation of the right patella. A femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed concomitant with desmotomy of the medial patellar ligament. RESULTS: Eighteen months after surgery, the mare began being ridden by children and was used for schooling purposes. Five years post-surgery, she continued her work activities with no apparent signs of lameness or discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Femoral head ostectomy following chronic coxofemoral joint luxation can result in a favorable outcome, with equids weighing up to 180 kg potentially regaining soundness and resuming athletic activities.

Source: Animals

DOI: 10.3390/ani15040497

Authors: Liliana Carnevale, Tania Tagliabue, Vanessa Rabbogliatti, Roberto Bona, Francesca Cavallier

Institution: University of Milan

Language: English

Topic: Veterinary Orthopedics and Neurology

Subfield: Small Animals

Field: Veterinary

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896