Hip dysplasia in cats is an unsettling experience for cat parents. This condition affects the cat’s ability to walk or jump. When not attended to on time, hip dysplasia could progress to a degenerative stage that may not be reversable. Read on as we explain the causes of hip dysplasia, symptoms and treatment in cats.

Content:

  1. What Is Hip Dysplasia in Cats
  2. Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Cats
  3. Hip Dysplasia in Cats Treatment
  4. Conclusion

What Is Hip Dysplasia in Cats

Hip dysplasia is a genetic abnormality where the hip joint does not develop properly. Studies show that pedigree cats such as the Maine coon and Persians are very susceptible to this condition.

The hip joint is made up of two parts called the ball and socket. In hip dysplasia, the ball does not sit well on the socket, a depression in the pelvis that fits the ball and makes friction and movement possible.

Due to this disability, movement becomes painful and leaves the cat in great discomfort. Although cats are great at hiding pain, symptoms of this condition can be seen in their gait.

Apart from genetic disposition, obesity is also a contributing factor to hip dysplasia. Obesity can assert pressure on the hip joint and increase degenerative changes of the hip ball and socket.

Other orthopedic conditions such as knee injury could also cause more wear of the hip joint. I had a patient who was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. After a week, the cat acquired a knee injury. This made the hip dysplasia worse and more difficult to manage due to the degree of damage caused by the knee problem to the hip joint.

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Cats

The way a cat walks, runs or jumps can tell if it has a problem with its hip. Symptoms of hip dysplasia could be mild, moderate or severe depending on the degree.

Here are some of the common symptoms of hip dysplasia in cats:

  • Limping on one leg
  • Distorted gait
  • Avoids jumping high
  • Difficulty going up the stairs
  • Aggression due to pain
  • Problem with squatting
  • Lameness

“Hip dysplasia is less common in cats than in dogs and cats often times do not show clinical symptoms”, - Dr. Melissa Boldan

Stiff gait is a problem that comes with hip dysplasia. With the Petcube Water Fountain, your cat is encouraged to move and drink. It promotes joint movement, lubricates the joint and keeps the cat hydrated.

Hip Dysplasia in Cats Treatment

Before treating hip dysplasia, diagnosis by a veterinarian is necessary to ascertain the degree of wear in the hip joint. This will determine the appropriate medication and therapy to be administered.

During diagnosis, physical examination and X-rays are carried out to analyse the hip joint structure and to check for the Ortolani sign. This sign shows how the ball sits loosely in the socket and signifies an abnormal movement of the hip joint.

When hip dysplasia has been diagnosed, treatment therapy is decided and administered. Hip dysplasia treatment is usually conservative and managerial because this condition is genetically induced and may not have a reversible treatment.

The following are some of the treatment options available for hip dysplasia:

Pain Medication

When treating hip dysplasia in cats, pain is a primary concern. Veterinarians would recommend a suitable pain medication depending on the cat and stage of hip dysplasia. Research shows that medical management is enough to alleviate pain and may not necessarily need surgery.

Weight Management

Obesity, if present, should be managed to alleviate hip dysplasia. Place the cat on a diet and exercise regularly to regulate its weight. For a weight-loss diet plan, consult with your vet for recommendations.

“My cat was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. The vet recommended it lose some weight first and be placed on medication”,- Reddit User

Surgery

Surgery is usually a last resort when it comes to hip dysplasia treatment in cats. Surgery is adopted if the cat's quality of life is at risk and would need total hip replacement surgery or a femoral head ostectomy.

Surgeries are expensive especially when it comes as emergency. But with the Petcube Emergency Fund, you can enjoy up to $3000 vet fee coverage for hip dysplasia treatment and a 27% discount when you register through the exclusive link.

Conclusion

Hip dysplasia in cats is a genetic abnormality that could interfere with how cats walk, run or jump. It is exacerbated by obesity and other orthopedic conditions. With good treatment therapy, weight management plan and exercise, cats could live a much better life even with hip dysplasia. Although it can not be cured, it can be managed.

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