## Overview Coxofemoral luxation is dislocation of the femoral head from the acetabulum. It is uncommon in horses because of strong ligamentous support, but occurs more often in ponies and miniature horses, sometimes secondary to upward fixation of the patella. Trauma is the usual cause. The limb is typically non-weight-bearing with external rotation. ## Causes Severe trauma or, in small equids, violent contraction associated with locked patella. ## Diagnosis Characteristic stance (shortened limb, externally rotated, higher hock) plus radiographic confirmation. ## Treatment Closed reduction under general anesthesia is attempted early. Maintenance of reduction is difficult. Femoral head ostectomy is an option in small horses and ponies for chronic cases. Prognosis for athletic function is very guarded. ## Recovery and Prognosis Poor for return to work in large horses. Some ponies become pasture sound after reduction or ostectomy. ## Prevention Trauma avoidance; prompt treatment of upward patellar fixation in ponies.
non-weight-bearing hindlimb lameness; external rotation of the limb; asymmetrical pelvis; higher point of the hock
## Overview Coxofemoral luxation is dislocation of the femoral head from the acetabulum. It is uncommon in horses because of strong ligamentous support, but occurs more often in ponies and miniature horses, sometimes secondary to upward fixation of the patella. Trauma is the usual cause. The limb is typically non-weight-bearing with external rotation. ## Causes Severe trauma or, in small equids, violent contraction associated with locked patella. ## Diagnosis Characteristic stance (shortened limb, externally rotated, higher hock) plus radiographic confirmation. ## Treatment Closed reduction under general anesthesia is attempted early. Maintenance of reduction is difficult. Femoral head ostectomy is an option in small horses and ponies for chronic cases. Prognosis for athletic function is very guarded. ## Recovery and Prognosis Poor for return to work in large horses. Some ponies become pasture sound after reduction or ostectomy. ## Prevention Trauma avoidance; prompt treatment of upward patellar fixation in ponies.
non-weight-bearing hindlimb lameness; external rotation of the limb; asymmetrical pelvis; higher point of the hock