A 2-year-old male neutered Domestic Longhair cat presented to our hospital following an unknown traumatic event after reportedly dragging himself home and being unable to bear weight on the left hindlimb. On presentation, the patient was painful and non-weight bearing on the left pelvic limb, with clinical findings consistent with significant hip and pelvic trauma.
Diagnostic imaging confirmed luxation of the left femoral head together with multiple pelvic injuries, including an incomplete fracture of the right ischium and an incomplete fracture of the right cranio-ventral ramus of the pubis, located caudal to the acetabulum. A small bone fragment was also identified within the acetabulum. The right-sided pelvic fractures were assessed as stable and not requiring surgical stabilisation, allowing surgical focus to remain on restoring comfort and function of the affected hip.
The patient was taken to surgery with the initial aim of assessing the joint and determining whether reduction and preservation of the hip was possible. Intra-operative assessment revealed significant damage to the femoral head and articular surfaces, and it was determined that joint preservation would likely result in ongoing pain and poor long-term function. Based on these findings, a femoral head ostectomy (FHO) was performed to remove the damaged joint and allow formation of a functional false joint. This decision prioritised long-term comfort and mobility over anatomical reconstruction.
Post-operatively, the patient recovered very well. Management included strict cage confinement and a structured physiotherapy programme to support return to limb function and muscle development. The patient demonstrated progressive improvement in comfort and mobility, achieving an excellent functional outcome and return to normal activity.
This case highlights the importance of experience-based intra-operative decision-making in trauma surgery, where adapting the surgical plan to the patient’s specific injuries can significantly improve long-term outcomes.
