Feline Hip Dysplasia Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Feline hip dysplasia (FHD) is a developmental orthopedic condition characterized by abnormal formation of the coxofemoral joint, resulting in joint laxity, subluxation, and progressive osteoarthritis. While historically considered rare in cats compared to dogs, recent studies demonstrate FHD is significantly underdiagnosed due to cats' ability to mask clinical signs and the subtlety of their lameness patterns.

The reported prevalence varies dramatically between studies, ranging from 6.6% to 46.7% depending on the population studied. Purebred cats, particularly large-bodied breeds, have a significantly higher incidence than domestic shorthairs. Understanding this condition is essential for NAVLE success as it represents an important differential diagnosis in feline orthopedic lameness.

Hip Joint Anatomy in Cats

The feline coxofemoral joint is a ball-and-socket synovial joint formed by the articulation of the femoral head (ball) with the acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis. In cats, the acetabulum is naturally shallower than in dogs, which has important implications for joint stability and dysplasia assessment.