Should we offer total hip replacement to feline patients?

Abstract

PICO question In cats with traumatic coxofemoral injury, does total hip replacement (THR) offer improved outcome when compared with femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) arthroplasty?   Clinical bottom line Category of research question Treatment The number and type of study designs reviewed One paper was critically reviewed. It was a non-randomised retrospective observational study Strength of evidence Moderate evidence Outcomes reported THR results in superior clinical outcome and owner satisfaction compared to FHNE in cats Conclusion In cats with traumatic coxofemoral injury, although the evidence is not conclusive and somewhat limited, the literature reviewed here suggests that THR offers a superior outcome in feline patients. There is currently insufficient evidence to determine if there is a difference in long-term outcome, complications or osteoarthritis (OA) development following THR or FHNE in feline patients   How to apply this evidence in practice The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources. Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.