Femoral head and neck excision in a dog that had previously undergone contralateral hind limb amputation

A German Shepherd Dog that underwent left hind limb amputation at 6 weeks of age because of quadriceps contracture developed arthritis of the remaining coxofemoral joint when it was 6 months old. The dog subsequently underwent femoral head and neck excision, and following rehabilitation that included intensive physical therapy, the dog was able to walk and run without signs of pain or disability. Strength and agility were maintained during a 4.5-year follow-up period. This case demonstrates the importance of postoperative management in the successful outcome of femoral head and neck excision in a large dog with only 1 hind limb.