Clinical evaluation of coxofemoral neurectomy for pain management in canine hip dysplasia

Abstract

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a progressive orthopaedic disorder leading to osteoarthritis and chronic pain, severely affecting mobility and quality of life. This study evaluated the efficacy of coxofemoral neurectomy for pain alleviation in dogs with CHD. Six dogs diagnosed radiographically with hip dysplasia and exhibiting chronic lameness unresponsive to conservative management were selected. The procedure involved selective transection of articular nerve branches innervating the hip joint. Post-operative evaluations were performed on Days 0, 15, 30 and 60 to assess clinical improvement, haematological and biochemical parameters, radiographic stability and pain scores using UMPS and GCPS. Significant improvement in gait and weight-bearing was observed from Day 15 onwards. Radiographic findings indicated maintenance of joint congruity without degenerative progression, while haematological and biochemical values remained within physiological limits. Coxofemoral neurectomy proved to be a minimally invasive and effective technique for pain mitigation in moderate CHD cases where femoral head ostectomy or total hip replacement may not be feasible.