Total hip replacement in an alpaca using a cementless implant.
OBJECTIVE
To report use of a cementless total hip prosthesis in an alpaca.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
Alpaca (n=1) with chronic craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation.


METHODS
A 2.5-year-old Suri alpaca, 3 months pregnant, was admitted for evaluation of acute onset severe left hind limb lameness (grade 4/5) of 6 weeks duration. After diagnosis of craniodorsal luxation of the left femoral head, total hip replacement (THR) using a cementless implant was performed because of the poor prognosis for reduction of a chronic luxation.


RESULTS
A press-fit prosthesis was used and the alpaca delivered a live cria 8 months later. Persistent mild mechanical lameness remained after surgery, with moderate reduction in mobility of the coxofemoral joint. The prosthesis was stable and correctly positioned at 7 weeks and at 9 months. There was mild exostosis surrounding the proximal aspect of the femur at 9 months, and Steinmann pins used to repair the trochanteric osteotomy were removed because of migration. At 1 year, the alpaca has a slight gait abnormality, remains with the herd on pasture and has been re-bred.


CONCLUSIONS
Chronic coxofemoral luxation in an alpaca can be managed by THR.


CONCLUSIONS
THR is a viable treatment option in alpacas with severe coxofemoral disease.
Schulz
Kara L
KL
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA. kschulz@vet.ksu.edu
Roush
James K
JK
Anderson
David E
DE
Hoots
Eric
E
D000818:Animals; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D002161:Camelids, New World / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006617:Hip Dislocation / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome