Introduction
Hip Dysplasia is a painful degenerative disease in cats which causes arthritis-like symptoms and general lameness. Diagnosing this disease can be troublesome because other diseases which cause similar symptoms must be ruled out before treating the dysplasia can begin.
Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia
If a cat is showing symptoms of hip dysplasia, x-rays (or radiographs) are usually standard procedure. The veterinarian may be able to detect the problem by testing the joint physically first. Pain may occur when the hip joint is extended when the leg is pulled back, or the vet may be able to feel some looseness in the joint. But the radiographs are the best way to confirm the presence of this relatively common canine problem.
There are ways to detect hip dysplasia even if no symptoms are showing. This is important because many cats intended for breeding are brought in to be tested. There are two methods of this type of testing, and the more common is known as the OFA method (named after the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). Specialized radiologists analyze the radiographs and compare them to a large database of hip x-rays of other cats. The accuracy of this method is much greater if the cat is over 2 years of age when the x-rays are done.
The other method is the PennHIP method, devised by doctors at the University of Pennsylvania. The x-rays for this method are taken from several angles and require the joint to be at its most relaxed. A mathematical formula is used based on the way the joint moves in comparison with the size of the surrounding bone. This formula yields a number which determines whether or not hip dysplasia is present.
Whether it’s an older cat showing many symptoms, or a younger cat with a seemingly healthy joint, there are many medical options available to diagnose hip dysplasia promptly and accurately, allowing treatment to begin.