Outcomes after Total Hip Replacement to Manage Failed Hip Toggle in 11 Dogs

This aim of this study was to document the management and outcomes of dogs having total hip replacement (THR) following a failed hip toggle.Retrospective case series.Eleven dogs that had a failed hip toggle and subsequent conversion to THR.Medical records were examined for pertinent information regarding the initial luxation event, the hip toggle surgery, coxofemoral joint conformation and any pre-existing pathology, THR materials, complications and outcomes. Pre- and postoperative hip toggle and THR radiographs were examined. The Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs questionnaires were sent to all clients with dogs in this study.Hip toggles failed due to re-luxation (n = 8) and chronic lameness (n = 3). Radiographs identified osteoarthritis in 10/11 dogs. The percentage of femoral head coverage was <50% in 8/11 dogs. The initial luxation aetiology was traumatic (n = 5), atraumatic (n = 4) and unknown (n = 2). A pre-THR culture was performed for 5/11 dogs via Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA), femoral toggle rod or button and suture material. The intrapelvic toggle rod was removed intraoperatively and cultured in six dogs. Complications were intraoperative (n = 2) and postoperative (n = 2), and were minor (n = 1), major (n = 2) and catastrophic (n = 1). The Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs scores were obtained for 8/11 dogs, with a median score of 6.5. A successful outcome was documented for 9/11 dogs.Total hip replacement was successful in 9/11 dogs. The median Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs scores were within the previously published range for dogs having uncomplicated THR. Despite the requirement for additional considerations, THR can be safely and effectively performed in dogs following failed hip toggle surgery.