1 Coxofemoral luxation in 112 cattle – a retrospective analysis

Objective: Coxofemoral luxation (luxatio ossis femoris) requires special consideration among orthopaedic conditions of the pelvic area in cattle. The disease has a guarded prognosis, and affected cattle are often recumbent and therefore must not be shipped to a slaughter facility. Our study aimed to compile epidemiologically relevant aspects of coxofemoral luxation and facilitate the diagnosis in the field and at referral clinics. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analysed 116 cases of coxofemoral luxation and subluxation in 112 cattle in relation to the housing system used and the breeds affected. The different directions of luxation, clinical findings, diagnostic imaging, treatment, and prognosis were also investigated. Results: Holstein Friesian cows (93/112; 83.0%) and free-stall barns (80/87; 92.0%) were overrepresented, and 96 of the 112 animals (85.7%) were recumbent at referral. The general health status was impaired in 87 of 102 cattle (81.8%). Caudoventral luxation occurred in 87/116 cases (75.0%), subluxation in 17/116 (14.6%), craniodorsal luxation in 6/112 (5.2%), caudodorsal luxation in 3/112 (2.6%), and cranioventral luxation in 3/112 (2.6%) cases. Bilateral coxofemoral luxation occurred in 16/116 cases (13.8%,) and accompanying fractures of the greater trochanter or the femoral head in 14/112 (12.5%) of the cattle; 83.0% were slaughtered or subjected to euthanasia after the diagnosis. Of 19/112 cattle that underwent treatment, only four (21.1%) remained productive in the long term. In 13 cows in advanced pregnancy, the prognosis for a viable calf was guarded to favourable after a gestation length of 248 days. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Dairy cows that fall in a free-stall barn and incur splaying of the hind legs ("doing the splits") usually sustain subluxation or caudoventral luxation of the femoral head, particularly when the fall is sudden. The diagnosis often required ultrasonographic and radiographic confirmation, highlighting the diagnostic difficulty in the field. The prognosis for caudoventral coxofemoral luxation is especially grave. Prevention of the disease by barn construction measures is therefore essential.