Radiographic diagnosis of craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation in standing equids

Abstract

Radiographic evaluation of the pelvis in standing horses has been used to diagnose fractures of the pelvis, head and greater trochanter of the femur, and luxations of the coxofemoral joint. Coxofemoral luxation injuries are more common in smaller horse breeds and donkeys, but, due to their size, the standing ventrodorsal projection is not possible, as there is insufficient space to place the radiography equipment under the animal's abdomen. The objective of the study was to report the advantages and limitations of the use of an oblique radiographic projection to diagnose unilateral craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation in 3 ponies and a donkey performed with the animals standing under light sedation. All cases had severe unilateral hindlimb lameness and asymmetry of the gluteal region; 2 also had concurrent intermittent upward fixation of the patella. A standing dorsolateral 20-30°ventral oblique radiograph of the affected coxofemoral joint was performed in all cases to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Radiography of the coxofemoral joint in standing ponies and donkeys can be carried out to identify craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation avoiding the need for general anaesthesia.

Treatment of coxofemoral luxation in a mature Welsh pony by femoral head ostectomy: Long‐term outcome

“…This decision was made based on the poor visualisation of standing radiographs showing the integrity of the femur and the acetabulum (Amitrano et al . ). Standing radiographs, as recently described by Amitrano et al .…”

Aspects of coxofemoral luxations in the horse

“…; Kuemmerle and Furst ; Amitrano et al . ). The condition has, however, also been recorded in the Thoroughbred, Standardbred, Quarter Horse, Arabian, Selle Français and Cob (Rothenbacher and Hokasen ; Malark et al .…”

“…; Amitrano et al . ), being mounted by another animal (Malark et al . ) catching of a limb (Rothenbacher and Hokasen ), hindlimb casts (Trotter et al .…”

“…; Amitrano et al . ) and in one case as a delayed feature following excision arthroplasty (Platt et al . ).…”

“…Clegg and Comerford () and Amitrano et al . () pointed out that such fractures may be found at post mortem examination or surgery in cases of coxofemoral luxation where they were not apparent on imaging prior to euthanasia – emphasising the need to appreciate and communicate the limitations of our diagnostic assessments.…”