Hip luxation in small animals: an evaluation of some methods of treatment

The results of closed manipulative reduction and De Vita pinning in the treatment of small animal hip luxations have been analysed. Closed reduction is worth attempting as an initial form of treatment even in chronic luxations, but successful relocation may require more than one manipulative reduction. Inadequate placement of De Vita pins or their early migration predisposes to reluxation. Hip luxations are prone to reluxation during the eight weeks following reduction.