Authors : Erinda Lika, Paskal Gjino, Majlinda Belegu, Sokol Duro, Elenica Dimco, Esmeralda Sherko and Luigj Turmalaj
Abstract: The necrosis of the femoral head consists of aseptic osteonecrosis of the femoral head widely known even in the field of human medicine as the Legg-Perthes disease. It is characterized by an ischemic necrosis more or less wide of the segment of the femoral head. This pathology mainly affects the small breeds (Pekingese, Terriers, Barboncinos), above all young ages of 4-11 months old. The aseptic necrosis of the femoral head might appear unilaterally but according to literature it might also occur bilaterally. During the biennial period of October 2009 to October 2011, researchers studied the cases presented at the Veterinary Clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine as well as some cases presented in different veterinary clinics in Tirana. Altogether, 14 dogs were treated and diagnosed (5 males and 9 females). Their age resulted from 2 months old up to 14 years old. Two medication methods were applied: conservative and surgical medication. Conservative medication was applied in those cases when surgical intervention was not considered necessary. It consisted in using some anti-inflammatory non-steroid substances such as brucsicam, pirocsicam, diclofenac, carprofen, ketodifen accompanied by regional immobilization and physiotherapy. Surgical medication consisted of intervention in the coxofemoral articulation and removal of the femoral head.
Erinda Lika, Paskal Gjino, Majlinda Belegu, Sokol Duro, Elenica Dimco, Esmeralda Sherko and Luigj Turmalaj, 2012. Retrospective Study on the Treatment of Aseptic Necrosis of the Femoral Head in Dogs. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 11: 2930-2933.