Incidence of pulmonary embolism after non-cemented total hip arthroplasty in eleven dogs: computed tomographic pulmonary angiography and pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in 11 dogs that had non-cemented total hip replacement (THR) to that reported in dogs after cemented THR. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Large mixed breed dogs (n=11). METHODS: Thoracic computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTA) was performed on all dogs pre- and postoperatively. Pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy was performed postoperatively. RESULTS: PE was not identified on postoperative CTA or pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of PE after non-cemented THR in these 11 dogs, as evaluated with pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy and thoracic CTA was lower than reported in dogs undergoing cemented THR. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on the results of this study the incidence of PE as a complication of total hip arthroplasty is reduced when a non-cemented system is used.