What is Hip Dysplasia in Felines?

Hip dysplasia is a disorder that occurs in young cats during their growth. Affected cats developed a laxity and an abnormal anatomy of the hip.

This laxity and this abnormal anatomy are responsible for pain, mobility issues and degenerative changes of the articulation.

The abnormal permanent movement of the femoral head within its cavity (acetabulum) is creating the progressive loss of the articular cartilage, as well as the development of fibrous tissue around the joint. Arthritis within the hip joint is then progressing.

Anatomy of the normal hip

Animation showing the progressive degrees of hip dysplasia

What is the mechanism for hip dysplasia ?

The abnormal laxity of the coxo-femoral joint is the starting point of this disorder. Because of this laxity, the femoral head easily comes out of the joint cavity (acetabulum) which normally holds it. These abnormal constraints create micro fissures of the femoral head cartilage as well of the cartilage at the edge of the acetabular cavity.

An inflammatory cascade takes place which will end by the destruction of the cartilage, and an increased production of synovial fluid.

What are the causes ?

The cause of hip dysplasia is multifactorial but the main factor is genetic.

Increased weight, put on rapidly, excessive nutrition and hyperactivity are also factors that can make the development and the symptoms of hip dysplasia worse.

Is there predisposed breeds ?

Yes, the Maine Coon for example.

What is the treatment ?

For the cat, most of the time, we try a non-surgical approach (food supplement, diets, controlled exercises…)

When the case is severe, an osteotomy of the femoral head is useful to reduce pain and chronic lameness that appear progressively. The results of this procedure are excellent on cats.

Animation showing the general principle of femoral head osteotomy

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