When you think of hip dysplasia in pets, you normally think of dogs, right? Until recently, even veterinarians and researchers didn’t know that cats were suffering from the debilitating disease. Although the condition is not as prevalent in cats, it is something that you should be aware of. Hip dysplasia refers to the abnormal development of the hip joint, due to instability, laxity, and abnormal growth of the joint and/or surrounding bone (femur). The end of the femur should sit directly into the hip socket. If something prevents this, the joint will deteriorate. If the condition goes untreated, it can cause severe complications in development, pain, discomfort, or malformed growth.
It is increasingly difficult to recognize the warning signs of hip dysplasia in cats. Cats tend to be able to either adapt better than dogs, or to hide their symptoms better. Also, because hip dysplasia wasn’t a known physical disorder inflicted in cats, it hasn’t had much public awareness. Hip dysplasia is a genetic, or hereditary, disorder. Your cat may be predisposed to hip dysplasia if his/her parents were affected by the condition. Hip dysplasia can also be the result of other factors, such as an excessive rate of growth, weight gain, and poor diet. Although any cat can potentially develop the disease, it is more prevalent amongst certain larger boned breeds, such as the Maine Coon, Himalayans, and Persians.
If you suspect that your cat may be suffering from hip dysplasia, take him/her to the vets for a thorough evaluation. Signs that you may notice include: difficulty getting up from a rested position, not wanting to be touched or picked up, crying if you touch an area surrounding the hip joint, an altered gait, lameness, and not wanting to jump. The signs are very similar to osteoarthritis, so it is important that your vet take x-rays and diagnose the condition properly. If hip dysplasia is left untreated it will cause other issues. Arthritis is almost always associated with hip dysplasia. It is in your cat’s best interest to look for warning signs early, to go to the vets at least annually, and to take a supplement for joint health. A high quality liquid Glucosamine supplement may aid your cat in reduce inflammation, cartilage growth and repair, and pain reduction.
