Effect of public symphysiodesis on pelvic development in the skeletally immature greyhound.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of pubic symphysiodesis (PS) on pelvic development in skeletally immature dogs.


METHODS
Prospective randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
Eight 4 month-old, sexually intact female Greyhounds.


METHODS
Initial PS was performed at 4 months of age using a powered stapling device. Because of failure of the initial surgery, a second PS was performed 1 month later by resecting the pubic symphysis with a rongeur followed by placement of handmade bone staples in four dogs. Sham PS was performed in four control dogs at 4 months of age. Pubic growth rate and pelvic development were evaluated using standard plane radiography and computed tomography. Specific measurements included acetabular ventroversion, Norberg angle, lateral center-edge angle, and pelvic inlet dimensions. Hip distraction indices were determined as well.


RESULTS
PS at 4 months of age using a stapling device failed. Pubic symphysiodesis using hand made staples was successful at 5 months of age and did not result in any clinically significant intraoperative or postoperative complications. Pubic symphysiodesis markedly decreased pubic symphysis growth in the treatment group. Hip distraction indices and pelvic inlet circumference, area, and width significantly decreased in treated dogs compared to those in the control group. Acetabular ventroversion was significantly increased in treated dogs compared to those in the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
PS decreases pelvic canal size, increases acetabular ventroversion, and does not appear to have any clinically significant complications.


CONCLUSIONS
PS performed in skeletally immature dogs with hip dysplasia may provide an effect similar to a triple pelvic osteotomy and warrants further investigation.
Swainson
S W
SW
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames 50011-1250, USA.
Conzemius
M G
MG
Riedesel
E A
EA
Smith
G K
GK
Riley
C B
CB
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D004285:Dogs / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006619:Hip Dysplasia, Canine / Q000517:prevention & control; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000254:growth & development*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011631:Pubic Symphysis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D012016:Reference Values; D013537:Sutures / Q000662:veterinary