The lame cat: common culprits of non-traumatic lameness when pain localises to the hip

Abstract

The most common non-traumatic conditions that have been described affecting the feline hip joint are hip dysplasia and associated osteoarthritis, spontaneous femoral capital physeal fractures and metaphyseal osteopathy. While the findings on orthopaedic examination for all of these conditions may be similar, the history and signalment may assist in differentiating between them. Radiography allows a definitive diagnosis to be made, but specific views are necessary to avoid missing the diagnosis, and there are also critical differences between hip dysplasia in cats and in dogs, which it is important to be aware of.

Long‐term follow up of 44 cats undergoing total hip replacement: Cases from a feline hip registry (2010‐2020)

“…8,18 When this management is insufficient to provide adequate pain control, or for treatment of other conditions including fractures (acute/chronic), chronic luxations, MO or SCFE, surgical procedures such as femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) and total hip replacement (THR) are indicated. 8,19 Femoral head and neck excision is a salvage procedure for the treatment of irreparable damage to the hip joint. 20 There are few peer-reviewed published reports regarding the long-term outcomes of cats with FHNE.…”

“…Nonsurgical management of feline osteoarthritis involves a combination of environmental modification, dietary modulation, physical therapy, nutraceuticals, and drug therapy 8,18 . When this management is insufficient to provide adequate pain control, or for treatment of other conditions including fractures (acute/chronic), chronic luxations, MO or SCFE, surgical procedures such as femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) and total hip replacement (THR) are indicated 8,19 …”