Long term results of excision arthroplasty of the canine hip.

An analysis has been made of the long term results of excision of the canine femoral head and neck. The most frequent postoperative findings include shortening of the operated limb and restricted movement of the hip pseudarthrosis. Although few dogs show lameness or pain in the operated hip, muscle atrophy is a frequent finding even after eight years. Difficulty in jumping and in climbing stairs are more commonly found postoperatively in the larger breeds of dog. Despite these noted abnormalities almost all owners expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of excision arthroplasty.