Summary
Case description: A 10-year-old female Belgian Teruven dog was presented to our clinic for total hip
revision following a diagnosis of implant (cup) failure with metallosis and abdominal
pseudotumour formation. The patient had a cementless metal-on-polyethylene total hip
replacement performed nine years prior to presentation.
Clinical findings: The clinical findings, including pseudotumour formation locally and at sites distant
from the implant and pain associated with the joint replacement, were similar to those
described in human patients with this condition. Histopathological, surgical, and
radiographic findings additionally supported the diagnosis of metallosis and pseudotumour
formation.
Treatment and outcome: Distant site pseudo -tumours were surgically removed and the total hip replacement
was explanted due to poor bone quality. The patient recovered uneventfully and has
since resumed normal activity.
Conclusion: In veterinary patients with metal-on-polyethylene total hip implants, cup failure
leading to metallosis and pseudo-tumour formation should be considered as a potential
cause of ipsilateral hindlimb lameness, intra-pelvic abdominal tumours, or a combination
of both. These clinical findings may occur years after total hip replacement surgery.
Keywords
Total hip replacement - metallosis - pseudo -tumour - canine orthopaedics