HEMIPELVECTOMY IN DOGS: Overview of the Technique

Removal of a pelvic segment (hemipelvectomy) may be indicated for effective management of tumors involving the pelvis and surrounding soft tissues, severe pelvic trauma, or functional abnormalities (e.g. fracture malunion)

Urfeya Mirza

Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Khalsa College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Amritsar, Punjab, 143001

Introduction:

Although an entire hemipelvis can be resected, partial pelvectomy is usually adequate for removing tumors involving the pelvis, coxofemoral joint or proximal aspect of the thigh. Hemipelvectomy is a complex, aggressive surgical procedure. It requires thorough familiarity with regional anatomy, careful consideration of orthopedic, urinary, intestinal, abdominal wall, and integument-related procedural aspects and meticulous adherence to techniques of surgical oncology when indicated. The purpose of this article is to provide a detailed, comprehensive description of the preoperative assessment, surgical technique and its variations, and postoperative management associated with hemipelvectomy in dogs with tumour of the pelvis and surrounding tissues.

Preoperative assessment