Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 7/28/2008

Question
Our family just adopted a mini-pin on her way to be euthanized.  After bringing her home we noticed her avoiding weight bearing on her rear leg.  There's also a significant loss of muscle mass in that leg.  There's a palpable bony prominence on the rear (we're assuming it's her femur head).  We think she has a dislocated hip related to a "car injury" she sustained several weeks prior to the adoption. Our questions are 1.  Could this still be fixed via a close reduction?  2.  What will happen if this is not corrected?  She does not seem to have any pain & is compensating well.
Thanks!

Answer
Nori -

Some hip dislocations can be corrected by closed reduction.  If the dislocation is not corrected the animal is subject to infection and atrophy of the leg that is not being used because she cannot properly bear weight.  I am quite sure your pet is experiencing some sort of discomfort if the hip is truly dislocated. Your veterinarian can provide her with the necessary medication to ease her pain. The vet can also discuss treatment options with you concerning her possibible dislocation



Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM