Hip Dysplasia in Cats

Hip dysplasia in cats can be a concern for any breed.

It was once thought to affect only dogs, but now we know domestic cats can suffer from it as well. Although it is very painful, it's also treatable.

Here, we'll talk about signs, symptoms and treatments for hip dysplasia in cats.

Maine Coon Hip Dysplasia

This is a genetically inherited condition. There is not one specific gene responsible, but a combination.

Both parents must have the disorder or be carriers. Responsible breeders are aware of this and practice genetic screening of their purebred cats, to avoid breeding kittens with a genetic predisposition for it.

When to Start Paying Attention:

In cats, hip dysplasia typically begins to show signs between 1 and 2 years of age, when the skeleton finishes maturing and growth plates close.

For Maine Coons, this can be a little later, since their full skeletal maturity can take up to 3 to 5 years.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Kittens (under 1 year):
  Dysplasia rarely shows clinical symptoms. Even if a cat is genetically predisposed, their cartilage and muscle tone usually compensate during growth. Any clumsiness at this stage is almost always coordination or growth-related, not joint disease.

• Young Adults (1-3 years):
  This is when subtle indicators might first appear, especially in larger or fast-growing cats. The hip joint has finished forming, and mild looseness in the socket can start to cause wear. You might see minor stiffness after long naps or hesitation before big jumps.

• Adults (3–6 years):
  Symptoms become easier to spot in affected cats. Muscle asymmetry, reduced jumping, or altered gait patterns (like the "bunny hop") may emerge. This is also when secondary arthritis can start to develop.

• Seniors (7+ years):
  Cats with existing dysplasia often show clear signs of arthritis by now - slower mobility, less climbing, and increased resting.

So for owners of kittens or yearlings: there’s no need to worry yet. This is the time to focus on prevention; steady growth, lean body condition, and age-appropriate activity.

The goal isn't to expect dysplasia, but to build strong joints and muscles early to help prevent symptoms later.

Signs and Symptoms

Sometime after the age of six months or so, symptoms or signs of hip dysplasia may show up.

Changes in a cat's gait and movement serve as early indicators, with affected felines exhibiting an altered, often wobbly, walking pattern.

A cat might limp off and on, stop running and jumping as usual, or be obviously in pain. He might even refuse to walk.

Difficulty in jumping or climbing becomes apparent as the condition progresses, as physical activity becomes uncomfortable.

Pain and discomfort are expressed through subtle behavioral cues, including hesitancy in movement, vocalization, or withdrawal. 

Behavioral changes, such as increased irritability or reluctance to engage in typical activities, may signify the presence of underlying discomfort.

Recognizing these signs is crucial for prompt diagnosis and intervention. 

Veterinary attention should be sought if you notice any of these symptoms, as early detection allows for effective management and improved quality of life for affected kitties. 

Diagnosis

If a vet suspects feline hip dysplasia, he might take x-rays or use other imaging techniques.

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive approach, combining veterinary examination, imaging techniques, and other diagnostic tools to achieve an accurate assessment of the condition.

Veterinary Examination

A thorough veterinary examination is the initial step in diagnosing hip dysplasia. Veterinarians assess the cat's gait, joint mobility, and overall musculoskeletal health.

Palpation of the hip joint helps identify any abnormalities or signs of discomfort. Observing a cat's behavior during the examination provides valuable insights into potential hip pain or mobility issues.

Imaging Techniques

X-rays:

X-rays are a primary tool for confirming diagnosis. Radiographs capture detailed images of the hip joint, revealing irregularities in the hip socket and femoral head.

This aids in determining the extent of dysplasia and guides treatment decisions.

This will involve anesthesia because the cat will have to be completely relaxed on the x-ray table. They will want to x-ray the cat's hips from various angles.

CT Scans:

In some cases, computed tomography (CT) scans may be employed for a more detailed three-dimensional view of the hip joint.

CT scans offer enhanced precision in assessing structural abnormalities, aiding in surgical planning or other interventions.

Other Diagnostic Tools

Additional diagnostic tools may complement the examination and imaging techniques:

Gait Analysis:

Advanced technologies, such as gait analysis systems, can provide quantitative data on a cat's walking pattern, helping to objectively assess abnormalities associated with hip dysplasia in cats.

Blood Tests:

While not specific to hip dysplasia, blood tests can be conducted to rule out other potential causes of joint pain or inflammation.

Joint Aspiration:

In some cases, joint fluid analysis through aspiration may be performed to evaluate inflammation levels and rule out concurrent joint conditions.

Treating Hip Dysplasia in Cats

There are a couple of treatment options. One is anti-inflammatory drugs.

It's important to note that a cat should only be given drugs prescribed by your vet.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is poisonous and deadly to cats. Advil or Aspirin can be incorrectly dosed and deadly as well.

The vet will also recommend restricted exercise, such as jumping or going outside. Also, a glucosamine supplement is sometimes recommended.

There is surgery called femoral head ostectomy. It involves the vet going in and removing femur head. After surgery, scar tissue will build up in the area, and muscles will hold the hip in place. Although it sounds odd, it really provides relief.

With no more bone rubbing on bone after a full recovery, the cat feels better and goes on to live and play normally.

Medications for Pain Management

Pain management plays a central role in treating hip dysplasia in cats.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) is commonly prescribed to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with the condition.

These pain medications provide relief, enabling affected cats to engage in daily activities more comfortably.

However, prolonged use requires close veterinary supervision to monitor for potential side effects.

Surgical Interventions

Femoral Head and Neck Excision (FHO):

FHO involves the removal of the femoral head and neck, eliminating the source of friction and pain in the hip joint.

While it alters the biomechanics of the hip, cats often adapt well, experiencing improved mobility and reduced discomfort.

Total Hip Replacement (THR):

THR is a more advanced surgical option, replacing the entire hip joint with prosthetic components.

This procedure aims to restore near-normal joint function and is particularly beneficial for severe cases or when FHO is deemed insufficient.

Surgical options are individualized based on the cat's age, overall health, and the severity of the condition, with thorough preoperative evaluations guiding the choice of procedure.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Physical therapy and rehabilitation play pivotal roles in managing this condition, focusing on improving muscle strength, joint flexibility, and overall mobility.

Tailored exercise regimens, therapeutic massage, and hydrotherapy contribute to enhanced joint function.

Rehabilitation efforts aim to optimize the cat's quality of life, promoting a balance between rest and activity to prevent muscle atrophy and maintain joint health.

Joint Support

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