Ventral coxofemoral luxation in poodle breeds: multicentre retrospective case series

To investigate whether ventral coxofemoral luxation is more common in poodles and poodle crosses than other breeds, detail the role of trauma in development and retrospectively describe treatment and outcomes.

Retrospective cohort study of 25 poodle or poodle crosses with ventral coxofemoral luxation. Records of all dogs sustaining coxofemoral luxation were reviewed, with poodles and poodle crosses suffering ventral coxofemoral luxation being retained for analysis.

concurrent conditions, degree of trauma, previous hip luxation history, treatment at presentation, complications including incidence of reluxation and treatment thereof.

Coxofemoral luxations were identified in 627 dogs. Of these, 123 were ventral. Fifty-one coxofemoral luxations occurred in poodles or poodle crosses, with 25 being ventral. Poodle and poodle crosses were significantly more likely to experience ventral luxation compared to other breeds (P < .001). Twenty-four cases sustained no major trauma. Initially, non-surgical treatment was performed in 17 cases, surgical treatment in five and no treatment in three. The use of hobbles (P = .554) or their duration (P = .445) was not associated with reluxation risk. Reluxation occurred in seven cases after non-surgical treatment, with five being revised surgically. In total, surgery was performed on 11 occasions: toggle pin (4), femoral head and neck ostectomy (6) and total hip replacement (1).

Poodles and their crosses were shown to be at an increased risk of ventral coxofemoral luxation compared to all dogs with luxations. There was not a consistently successful management strategy for these cases and owners should be informed accordingly.