Arthritis In Hip

Identification And Treatment Of Hip Arthritis In Cats

Hip arthritis is a condition we often associated with aging in humans and do not typically think of a condition in our family pets. If your cat is having difficult ambulating normally, it is important to seek out the attention of a veterinarian and determine if hip arthritis may be developing. In most cats, when this type of arthritic complication develops, it often does so after many years of active movement and possible injuries.

Feline health typically involves conditions such as feline leukemia and the prevention of hair balls. But, as your cat ages, there are risk for developing some of the same chronic conditions we seen in aging human adults. Arthritis of the joints is one of these conditions and often the hips of a cat are the first indicators of a complication.

Cats grow and develop in such a way that their bodies are used to the jumping and romping they often engage in. But, for some cats, over activity on indoor cat gyms or jumping from higher elevations can pose some degree of strain on the joints. Over time, these strains and sprains, can cause a hip arthritis condition to develop.

If your cat has trouble moving about the home and is crying and not able to climb around on furniture as she once did, this may be a sign that a hip injury, or hip arthritis, is a health concern. Consult with your veterinarian and, in most cases, your cat will be prescribed medications to reduce inflammation and pain. While there is no cure for arthritis in cats, the medications can control the swelling and pain and this will help your cat begin to ambulate and become more active in the home.

Surgery to repair hip arthritis is typically not recommended for cats, and especially not common in cats who are older. If you are concerned about your cat's long term health, discuss feline rehab, exercise or other feline therapy program that may help to improve your cat's mobility in the long term. In doing so, you can help your cat overcome the hip arthritis complication and restore some degree in quality of life.

Sources: The Feline Patient, 3rd ed., by Gary Norsworthy, pp. 213-245.