Disorder - Hip dysplasia

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Coxofemoral luxation; Osteoarthritis; Patella luxation; Spondylosis deformans

Presenting Signs

In hip dysplasia, the hip joint develops abnormally, resulting in varying degrees of joint instability. This instability can lead to degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis, a joint disease. Some cats affected by hip dysplasia will not show any signs of disease and other cats simply become less active. Limping, weakness or pain in one or both hind limbs are some of the more specific signs that may indicate a cat is suffering from hip dysplasia and resultant osteoarthritis. As it can be quite difficult to determine if a cat is in pain with a condition such as hip dysplasia, some of the less obvious signs of pain to watch for include weight loss, anorexia, depression, abnormal elimination habits, poor grooming habits and abnormally aggressive behaviour.

Cats at Risk

There is no sex predilection. Large-frame cats appear to be more at risk. Signs of disease may develop at any age.

Breeds Affected
Abyssinian
Devon Rex
Maine Coon
Manx
Persian
Russian
Siamese


Treatment

Surgical and medical: weight restriction and chondroprotective medication may minimise degenerative changes in hips of cats affected by hip dysplasia. Pectineal myotomy or femoral head resection are the surgical methods used to treat hip dysplasia in cats. Surgery is recommended for cats in pain or for those that have severe problems walking as a result of their dysplastic hips.

PubMed References
Hip dysplasia

Contributor
Angela Ashby