Though rare, hip dysplasia is a rare orthopedic disorder affecting the hip joint that may affect cats. It causes instability and joint degeneration and arises from aberrant growth in one or both hip joints. Although hip dysplasia in cats is not always evident, symptoms including limping, avoidance of exercise, and irritation can suggest a diagnosis. In cats, hip dysplasia is mostly inherited, though obesity can also play a role. Hip dysplasia is more common in large purebred cats than in mixed-breed cats, including Himalayan and Maine coon cats. Medications are usually used in treatment to control inflammation and pain. A full recovery is anticipated, if the condition is identified and treated quickly.
What is hip dysplasia in cats?
What is hip dysplasia in cats?
Hip dysplasia is a degenerative condition that results in pain and stiffness in the hip's ball-and-socket joint. If hip dysplasia in cats worsens, osteoarthritis will probably set up.
A spherical femoral head rests in the acetabulum, a structure that resembles a socket, in a healthy, functional hip joint. With the help of muscles, joint fluid, and cartilage, the joint can function properly. However, the femoral head becomes malformed and misaligns in the socket whenever a cat suffers from hip dysplasia. Instability in the joint results in discomfort, swelling, and stiffness. The cartilage in the ill-fitting joint may eventually deteriorate, rubbing the bones against one another.
Signs of Foetal Hip Dysplasia in Cats
In the early phases of hip dysplasia, it is not uncommon for felines to show symptoms at all, and cats with mild to moderate conditions may never show symptoms at all. Throughout a routine wellness examination or when obtaining X-rays to identify an unrelated cause, your veterinarian may find indications of hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia symptoms can resemble those of other injuries. Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you see any of these symptoms in your cat or if there are any others.
1 - Limping or being lame
Lameness and limping may result from the cat's unstable joints' pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Diets will probably get worse as time passes if left untreated. See a veterinarian if your cat's mobility changes.
2 - Exercise Intolerance
Hip dysplasia can impair your cat's capacity to exercise, affecting activities such as jumping, running, and climbing, in addition to lameness or limping.
3 - Lethargic or irritable
Your cat may exhibit lethargy and irritation as a result of the pain associated with hip dysplasia. If your cat's mood seems to be changing, you might want to look into physical discomfort as a possible reason.
4 - Stiffness
Stiffness could result from a joint that doesn't suit your cat well. Your cat may notice the stiffness more when they lie down or get up.
5 - Loss of Muscle
Hip dysplasia in your cat may be indicated by muscle loss in the thighs or hips. On the other hand, since your cat is using its upper body more to compensate for the loss of hip muscles and prevent painful hip use, larger shoulder muscles may also indicate hip dysplasia.
Ways to Avoid Hip Dysplasia in Cats
Hip dysplasia in cats is not totally avoided because it is inherited. However, if you detect the illness early on, you might be able to stop its worsening. The greatest prophylactic action, if the feline is not genetically susceptible to hip dysplasia, is to ensure that it maintains a healthy weight or engages in regular exercise. As soon as you discover persistent stiffness, pain, or lameness, call your veterinarian.
Cat breeders can stop additional instances of hip dysplasia by spaying or neutering affected cats, which will stop the condition's hereditary transmission. Breeding cats with hip dysplasia is not recommended.
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