Traumatic hip luxation in an orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus)

Abstract

A free-ranging adult, 1.59-kg, female orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus) was presented due to inability to locomotion. Ventrodorsal and lateral radiographs of the pelvis showed craniodorsal luxation of the right hip joint, and ischial fracture on the left side. Femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed, but the lesser trochanter was preserved. At the final evaluation, 2 months after the surgery, the porcupine showed full weight-bearing on the right hindlimb, with no signs of lameness. Range of motion of the hip joints showed a decrease in the right hip joint, but crepitation was not observed in palpation. On radiographs, no bony proliferation was seen along the osteotomy line or in the area of the lesser trochanter, and the right and left trochanter were on the same level. The animal was released back into its natural habitat.