Femoral head ostectomy for the treatment of acetabular fracture and coxofemoral joint luxation in a Potbelly pig

OBJECTIVE: To report the successful surgical treatment of a comminuted left acetabular fracture, a dorsally luxated left femoral head, and avulsion of the ligament of the femoral head by femoral head ostectomy (FHO) and physical therapy in a companion Potbelly pig.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report.

ANIMALS: A 1-year-old, 13 kg, castrated male, companion Potbelly pig.

METHODS: The pig presented with a nonweight bearing left pelvic limb lameness of 3 weeks' duration that was noticed shortly after the pig got caught under a fence. Under general anesthesia a lateral approach was made to the fractured limb. A FHO was performed as described for dogs. Following surgery, a period of physical therapy was initiated based on protocols described for dogs.

RESULTS: The canine surgical procedure with the approach modified for pigs was successfully performed in our pig. Following surgery, the pig was comfortable and weight bearing. A physical therapy regimen of supervised activity, stairs, and water therapy was used to rehabilitate the leg, as well as a weight management protocol to maintain ideal body condition. The owner was highly satisfied with the outcome. Telephone follow-up with the owner at 12 months after surgery revealed no impairment to movement, and the pig was maintaining normal ambulation without lameness. No complications were observed with this case.

CONCLUSION: FHO, as described for dogs, provided a favorable outcome for hip luxation caused by acetabular fracture, luxation, and avulsion of the femoral head ligament in this small size Potbelly pig.