An Overview of Hip Dysplasia in Cats | Symptoms, Treatment, Outlook

Feline hip dysplasia involves abnormal hip joint formation where the ball and socket do not fit together properly, leading to joint instability, joint pain, and eventually arthritis.

Although less frequently diagnosed in cats, this disease can significantly impact their quality of life, causing discomfort, decreased mobility, and altered behavior. This article covers the causes, preventions, and natural solutions to hip dysplasia discomfort in cats for concerned owners.  

What are The Causes of Feline Hip Dysplasia?

Several factors contribute to the development of hip dysplasia in cats, primarily:

• Certain breeds of cats are more likely to have hip dysplasia
• Overfeeding in kittens can lead to rapid growth which contributes to hip dysplasia
• Excessive exercise can cause damage that leads to hip dysplasia

1. Genetics:

Certain breeds are more genetically predisposed to developing hip dysplasia, including Maine Coon, Persian, and Himalayan breeds. Studies have indicated a significant hereditary component, suggesting that the condition can be passed down through generations.

2. Nutrition:

Overfeeding and rapid growth during kittenhood can exacerbate the development of hip dysplasia. Excessive weight gain can place additional stress on the developing joints, leading to malformation and instability.

3. Activity Level:

While moderate exercise is beneficial, excessive or inappropriate physical activity can lead to joint damage and increase the risk of developing hip dysplasia.

How to Prevent Hip Dysplasia in Cats

Preventing hip dysplasia involves a combination of the following nutritional and environmental strategies aimed at minimizing the risk factors associated with the development of this condition:

• Diet and supplementation can help prevent symptoms
• Controlling weight and monitoring extreme exercise are important
• Staying in touch with your veterinarian and creating a prevention plan can be very helpful

1. Proper Nutrition

Providing a balanced diet during a cat’s growth phase is crucial. Avoiding overfeeding and ensuring that kittens receive appropriate levels of nutrients can prevent rapid growth and excessive weight gain, which are risk factors for hip dysplasia. Specialized diets formulated for growing kittens can help maintain an optimal growth rate and support healthy joint development.

2. Weight Management

Maintaining an optimal body weight throughout a cat's life reduces the stress on hip joints. Preventing obesity through controlled feeding practices and regular monitoring of body weight is essential. For adult cats, regular exercise and portion-controlled feeding can help maintain a healthy weight and support joint health.

3. Controlled Exercise

Appropriate exercise is vital for developing strong muscles that support the joints. Providing a balance of activity that promotes muscle development without overexerting the joints is important. Controlled play and avoiding high-impact activities can help prevent joint damage during the critical growth periods.

4. Regular Veterinary Check-Ups

Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect early signs of hip dysplasia. Early intervention and management strategies can be implemented if any abnormalities are detected, potentially mitigating the progression of the disease.

Signs That Your Cat Has Hip Dysplasia

The clinical signs of hip dysplasia in cats can vary widely, ranging from subtle to severe. In some cases, cats may exhibit no obvious signs, making diagnosis challenging. Common clinical signs include:

• Limping and intermittent lameness are signs of the discomfort and pain of hip dysplasia
• Reduced activity could signal hip discomfort
• Changes to gait and stiffness in the legs are also signs

1. Lameness

Lameness is one of the most common signs of hip dysplasia in cats. Affected cats may exhibit a limp or favor one hind limb over the other. The lameness can be intermittent or persistent and may worsen after physical activity or prolonged rest. Cats with hip dysplasia might also show reluctance to bear weight on the affected limb(s), leading to noticeable limping or altered movement.

2. Pain and Discomfort

Pain and discomfort are significant signs of hip dysplasia. Cats may vocalize when their hip area is touched or manipulated. They might also show signs of discomfort when performing activities that involve their hind limbs, such as jumping or climbing. Some cats may become less tolerant of handling and grooming, particularly around the hip region.

3. Decreased Activity

A reduction in activity levels is often observed in cats with hip dysplasia. Cats that were previously active and playful may become more sedentary and less willing to engage in physical activities. They may begin avoiding exercise, climbing stairs, or playing with toys. This decrease in activity is often a response to the pain and discomfort associated with the condition.

4. Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion

Stiffness, particularly after periods of rest or upon waking, is a common sign of hip dysplasia. Affected cats may have difficulty rising from a lying position and may move more slowly and cautiously. The range of motion in the joints may be reduced, making it challenging for the cat to perform normal activities that require flexibility and mobility. 

5. Altered Gait

Cats with hip dysplasia often exhibit an altered gait. This can include a swaying or "bunny-hopping" motion of the hind end, where the cat uses both hind legs together rather than in a normal alternating pattern. The altered gait is typically a compensatory mechanism to minimize pain and discomfort in the joints. Observing a cat’s movement from behind can help identify these gait abnormalities.

6. Behavioral Changes

Behavioral changes can be an indirect sign of hip dysplasia in cats. Affected cats may become more withdrawn, irritable, or less interactive with their pet parents and other pets. They may also display changes in grooming habits, such as reduced grooming of the hindquarters due to pain or difficulty reaching those areas. Some cats may also exhibit changes in litter box habits, such as avoiding the box if it requires climbing or stepping up.

7. Muscle Loss

Over time, chronic pain and decreased use of the affected limbs can lead to muscle atrophy. This is the wasting away of muscle mass, particularly in the hindquarters. The loss of muscle tone and mass can further exacerbate the instability of the hip joints and contribute to the progression of the condition.

8. Grinding or Popping

In advanced cases of hip dysplasia, veterinarians may detect crepitus, which refers to a grinding or popping sensation, and joint laxity during physical examination. Crepitus occurs due to the abnormal contact between the femoral head and acetabulum, leading to joint degeneration. Joint laxity, or looseness, is a hallmark of hip dysplasia and can be assessed through specific manipulation techniques during the examination.

How to Treat Your Cat's Hip Dysplasia

The treatment of hip dysplasia in cats depends on the severity of the condition and the individual cat's overall health. Treatment options can be broadly categorized into conservative management and surgical interventions as follows:

• At home management and physical therapy are options to significantly help symptoms
• If symptoms are advanced enough, surgery may be required

1. Conservative Management

Conservative management aims to alleviate discomfort, improve joint function, and enhance the cat's quality of life. This approach may include:

Weight Management: Maintaining an optimal body weight is crucial to reduce stress on the joints. Weight loss in overweight cats can significantly improve the signs.

Exercise Modification: Controlled exercise routines that avoid high-impact activities can help maintain muscle mass and joint flexibility without exacerbating the condition.

Pain Relief: Your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and other pain relievers to manage pain and inflammation. Regular monitoring and adjustments are necessary to avoid side effects.

Nutritional Supplements: Joint supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids may support joint health and reduce inflammation.

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy, including hydrotherapy and specific exercises, can improve muscle strength and joint mobility.  

2. Surgical Intervention

In cases where conservative management is insufficient, surgical treatment may be considered. Surgical options include:

Femoral Head and Neck Excision (FHNE): This procedure involves removing the femoral head and neck, creating a false joint. It can effectively alleviate pain and improve function, particularly in smaller and lighter cats.

Total Hip Replacement (THR): THR is a more advanced surgical option that involves replacing the diseased hip joint with an artificial one. It can provide excellent outcomes but is typically reserved for severe cases due to its complexity and cost.

Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS): JPS is a preventive surgical procedure performed on young kittens at risk of developing hip dysplasia. It involves the intentional fusion of the pubic symphysis, which can help improve hip joint congruency as the kitten grows. 

What's The Average Cat Hip Dysplasia Surgery Cost?

There are a few common types of hip dysplasia surgery, each with different costs:

• Femoral head replacement (replacing the "ball" of the joint) can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000
• Total hip replacement (replacing one hip) typically costs around $4,000
• Bilateral hip replacement (replacing or operating on both hips) costs upwards of $7,000

The cost of the operation depends on the severity of the condition and the nature of the procedure. Pet insurance may be about to cover some or all of the costs, depending on your provider. 

Conclusion

Hip dysplasia in cats, a degenerative disease affecting the hip joint, presents significant challenges in feline health care. This condition, often characterized by a misalignment known as subluxation, can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and arthritis over time. It is particularly prevalent in purebred cats, with the following breeds being notably at risk: Maine Coons, Persians, and Himalayans.

While severe cases of hip dysplasia may require surgical intervention to restore joint function and alleviate pain, mild cases can often be managed with conservative treatments such as weight management, nutritional supplements, and pain relief medications.

Preventive measures, including responsible breeding practices and proper nutrition, are essential to reduce the incidence of this disease in feline populations. Continued research into the genetic and biomechanical aspects of the condition will further enhance our ability to diagnose, treat, and prevent hip dysplasia in felines, ultimately improving their overall health and well-being.