Hip Dysplasia in Cats: How We Diagnose and Manage This Condition

Hello, cat lovers! We know how much you care about your feline friends, and that's why we're here to talk about a health issue you might not be familiar with: hip dysplasia. It doesn't just only affect dogs and our cats can experience it too. Don't worry though, we're here to discuss all the details about hip dysplasia in cats including the symptoms, how we diagnose and treat hip dysplasia as well as prognosis for affected cats.

What is Hip Dysplasia in Cats?

Hip dysplasia occurs when a cat's hip joint forms improperly. The hip joint in cats is a ball-and-socket type of joint and hip dysplasia is when the ball doesn't fit into the socket properly. This leads to wear and tear over time. In our cats, this misfit can cause discomfort and limit mobility.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of hip dysplasia in cats is unknown, but it often appears genetic. Purebred cats such as Maine Coons, Devon Rex, Siamese, Persian, and Himalayan breeds are predisposed as the prevalence rates are much higher in those breeds than in domestic shorthair cats. In fact, Maine Coons are the most common cat breed to develop hip dysplasia where up to 30% may be affected.

Spotting the Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Cats

As cats are notorious for hiding pain and discomfort, it is very important to monitor for any changes in their behavior. This might include occasional limping, difficulty jumping onto their favorite window sill, or even decreased grooming habits.

Many cat owners may notice a reluctance or hesitation to jump or go slowly up stairs for example. Cats will rarely forgo getting to places where they want to be just because it may hurt so don't wait for them to stop jumping or doing stairs completely, but monitor for any signs of hesitation or reluctance.

While some symptoms are mild or non-existent, we can summarize the most common symptoms we see in cats with hip dysplasia below:

• Decreased activity level
• Changes in demeanor such as aggression, hiding, and irritability
• Decreased upward mobility evidenced by reduced ability to climb, difficulty or reluctance to jump
• Reduce grooming behavior
• Urinating and/or defecating outside the litter box due to difficulty posturing in the litter box
• Weight-bearing lameness (observed in some cases)

Our Diagnostic Process

Here at Kingsdale Animal Hospital, we start the diagnostic process by obtaining a history from you and a detailed, thorough physical exam of your cat. If there is suspicion of hip dysplasia based on the results from the history and physical exam, we will move on to radiographs or x-rays of the affected joints. X-rays are considered the gold standard and are often diagnostic for hip dysplasia in cats.

We understand that your cat may be stressed about the X-ray process and therefore we may recommend providing some level of sedation in order to capture high-quality, diagnostic X-rays. If there is any movement of the patient during the process, we don't receive the optimal image quality required to make a diagnosis.

Tailored Treatment Options for Hip Dysplasia in Cats

Once confirmed, there are several treatment options available depending on the severity of the condition.

Every cat is unique, and so is our approach to their health. Treatment can range from medication to manage pain, dietary adjustments, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.

I remember a sleek Abyssinian who we diagnosed with hip dysplasia. With a combination of medication and low-impact play, we were able to manage her condition effectively. She's back to ruling her home kingdom with grace!

Medications and Supplements

Hip dysplasia in cats can be uncomfortable and painful so pain management is important. While we typically do not use anti-inflammatories long-term in cats, joint supplements and omega fatty acids (e.g. fish oil) can be very beneficial and delay the progression.

If secondary degenerative joint disease (DJD/arthritis) is present, as a result of hip dysplasia, Solensia™ is a great way of managing arthritis in cats.

Surgery

In very severe cases of hip dysplasia in cats, we recommend a surgical procedure called the Femoral Head Excision (FHO). This procedure removes the head of the femur and allows for a fibrous connection to be formed between the bones. This can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and reduce inflammation in cats with severe hip dysplasia or arthritis.

Physical Therapy and Weight Management

Proper weight management can ease pressure on your cat's joints, and physical therapy can help strengthen their muscles. In Cleo's case, replacing high jumps with ground-level play activities helped keep her active without straining her hips.

Creating a Comfortable Environment

Small changes can make a big difference. If your cat loves window-gazing, consider getting a low-level perch. For our patients, we have recommended a step to allow them to get to their favorite high spots to make their journey easier.

Monitor Your Cat

Your observation is invaluable. Keep an eye on their behavior and don't hesitate to seek veterinary advice if something seems off.

In summary, hip dysplasia in cats is a condition that can cause pain and discomfort but there are several treatment options available. Proper diagnosis with radiographs is essential to getting the best outcome for your cat. With careful monitoring, appropriate diet, medication, physical therapy, and other interventions we can offer our cats a comfortable life. If you have any concerns about your cat's mobility or behavior please do not hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian for further advice.