Meet Moira: January’s Patient of the Month

Moira, a four-year-old German Shepherd mix, came to our surgery team after a fall down a flight of stairs. Moira has cerebellar hypoplasia, a condition that causes her to be wobbly and ataxic, so her coordination is always slightly impaired. But after her accident, it was clear something more serious had occurred—she stopped using her back left leg altogether.

X-rays revealed a craniodorsal luxation of her left hip, meaning the ball of her femur had dislocated from its socket in the pelvis. The first step was to attempt a closed reduction under general anesthesia, where the hip is manipulated back into place without surgery. However, Moira's hip wouldn’t stay in position due to ligament damage and joint instability. After careful discussion with her family, surgeon Dr. Kim Aeschlimann decided to proceed with a surgical procedure called a hip toggle.

What Is a Hip Toggle?

A hip toggle is a surgical method used to stabilize a dislocated hip by replicating the function of the ligament of the femoral head (the structure that normally holds the hip in place). A small toggle pin, connected to a strong nylon suture, is placed into the center of the hip socket and secured through the femoral head. The suture acts as an artificial ligament, preventing the hip from dislocating while allowing for a smooth range of motion.

While not as commonly performed as other procedures like femoral head ostectomy (FHO) or total hip replacement (THR), the hip toggle is an excellent choice for young, active dogs with good hip anatomy. Moira’s hip conformation was favorable, and her family was committed to her postoperative recovery, making her an ideal candidate for this technique.

Why Not an FHO or THR?

• FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy): This procedure involves removing the head and neck of the femur, creating a false joint. While it can relieve pain, it requires significant muscle strength for recovery. Because Moira’s cerebellar hypoplasia causes poor coordination and muscle atrophy, her surgeon was concerned about her ability to fully recover from an FHO.

• THR (Total Hip Replacement): This procedure replaces the hip joint entirely with an implant. However, due to Moira’s wobbly gait and the potential for implant complications, her surgeon felt it wasn’t the best first option for her.

Due to Moira’s neuro and musculatory issues, the hip toggle gave her the best chance for a stable, functional hip while avoiding complications associated with the other procedures.

Moira’s Surgery and Recovery

Moira’s surgery went smoothly. Dr. Aeschlimann used advanced techniques to carefully place the toggle pin and suture, ensuring the hip was securely stabilized. After testing the hip’s range of motion and confirming it would not luxate, Moira’s incision was closed, and a local anesthetic was applied to minimize postoperative discomfort.

Post-surgery, Moira received medications to manage her pain and reduce inflammation, as well as antibiotics to prevent infection. Her family took home detailed discharge instructions, including strict activity restrictions—no off-leash play, running, or jumping for at least six weeks.

At her two-week post-op check-in, Moira’s incision was healing well, and her family reported she was already starting to use her leg more during short, controlled walks with her harness. Her recovery continued with gradual weight-bearing exercises under close supervision. At her last recheck on January 16th, Moira was seemingly more comfortable and consistently using her operated leg!

Moira’s case highlights the importance of tailoring surgical options to each pet’s unique needs. Why Hip Toggles are not always the go-to procedure for these injuries, Dr. Aeschlimann’s expertise allowed the team to identify Moira as the perfect candidate- overall leading to a healthier, happier, and improved life. Thanks to her family’s dedication and her own determination, Moira is well on her way to getting back to her favorite activities.

Join us in celebrating Moira as our Patient of the Month—she’s a true fighter and a reminder of why we love what we do!