Pectineus myectomy

Re: Pectineus myectomy

Malcolm Ness — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:19:55 GMT

[quote user="Clive Ansell"]I had a breeder client yesterday who wants it carried out on 3 breeding Labrador bitches who have had a radiographic diagnosis of hip dysplasia made. I have declined so far.[/quote]

Several strands to this:

First pectineal myectomy or myotomy has never been shown to have any beneficial effect on the progression of HD. The reports of apparent improvement following surgery were never tested with controls and probably represented nothing more than the evolution of the disease. Most young dogs that present with HD are presented at the time the hips start to subluxate - this causes (painful) fracturing along the dorsal acetabular rim. The pain tends to improve with the passage of time and the administration of NSAIDs. If you slip in a timely pectineal muscle surgery then you can claim that improvement/success for yourself. The use of pectineal esection on anything other than immature dogs has always appeared irrational and notions that the operation might have a significant effect on hip biomechanics are without good evidential support and seem far-fetched in any case.

Second: I dislike the term "radiographic diagnosis" There is a poor correlation in HD between degree of radiographic abnormality and the extent of a clinical problem. If there are no detectable clinical signs then there is no justification for treatment of any kind (medical or surgical). If the dogs are showing signs then treatment is indicated - NSAIDs to allow full, pain free activity and if that is not achievable then consideration should be given to salvage surgery - THR ideally but FHO if funds are short AND the pain/disability is significant. It is the dog that we treat, not the radiograph.

Third: "breeding bitches" There are loads and loads of nice natured, show winning labs with low hip scores, good elbow scores, clear eye tests etc etc so there is simply no need to be breeding from bitches with problems related to HD. If you come under pressure from this breeder I would suggest that you point her towards the relevant breed health cttee of the kennel club and indicate that you, too would like to discuss the matter with the same cttee. Steve Dean is/was involved on vetsurgeon previously and it would be interesting to hear his views on this.

Re: Pectineus myectomy

Anthony Todd — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 21:54:26 GMT

[quote user="Martin Atkinson"] if they're that irresponsible they're probably going to breed anyway. I feel the decision should therefore be made on welfare grounds[/quote]

Me too.on welfare grounds if it actually makes them more confortable.

Re: Pectineus myectomy

Martin Atkinson — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:08:17 GMT

I used to do them regularly back in the day, there seemed to be some immediate relief of symptoms before the femoral head arthroplasty became necessary. However I've not done one probably in 15-20 years, decent NSAIDs and hip replacements probably made it a redundant procedure. As for the ethics, I can't see what difference it would make to whether the breeder would breed or not unless they're so crippled they can't stand to the dog or to hide their limp from the sire's owner, if they're that irresponsible they're probably going to breed anyway. I feel the decision should therefore be made on welfare grounds for the individual but I probably wouldn't want this person as a client anyway.

Re: Pectineus myectomy

James Laidlaw — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:33:48 GMT

As I understand it, it won't change anything to do with the progression of disease but may make the individual animal more comfortable for a period of time. So then it wouldn't be much use as a prophylaxis, but helpful if the animal was in pain or discomfort?

I haven't and wouldn't do this operation I don't think, not just because it's something I've never done and I'm ortho-phobic. But the overall resounding reason should be that these dogs shouldn't be bred from if they need surgery and have poor hip conformation. Irresponsible breeding and definitely not something their vet should be encouraging. I'd continue on your current path and refuse to do, but maybe also try to explain why? I know that can be like smashing your face againts a brick wall, but at least you can document what's been advised too. I assume you may have already done this.

Re: Pectineus myectomy

Hannah Wynne Richards — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:18:21 GMT

Tell me again- 3 BREEDING bitches -please please please tell me I've got it wrong-never mind the efficacy of the op-these shouldn't be bred from

Wynne