OPEN REDUCTION AND STABILIZATION OF A LUXATED COXOFEMORAL JOINT IN A DOMESTIC RABBIT (ORYCTOLAGUS CUNICULUS) USING A TOGGLE-PIN FIXATION

ABSTRACT A 4-year-old intact female Holland lop rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) was referred for evaluation of a luxated right coxofemoral joint. Cranioventral luxation of the right femoral head was confirmed with pelvic radiographs at the referring veterinarian 3 days prior. On presentation, a nonweight bearing right pelvic limb lameness was appreciated. A closed hip reduction under anesthesia was attempted but not successful. The rabbit underwent an open coxofemoral reduction and the reduction was protected using a toggle rod stabilization method. A toggle pin was placed on the medial aspect of the acetabulum and fastened with suture to a second toggle pin on the lateral aspect of the femur, via a bone tunnel through the fovea capitus. Postoperative radiographs confirmed reduction of the coxofemoral joint and appropriate implant placement. Immediately following surgery, the rabbit began weight bearing on the right pelvic limb. Repeat evaluations showed a complete resolution to the rabbit's lameness, with no recurrence of the coxofemoral luxation. At rest, the right pelvic limb was intermittently mildly abducted; however, gait was not affected. This is the first case report to document a toggle pin fixation for successful repair of a coxofemoral luxation in a rabbit.