Information About Cat Hip Surgery

If your veterinarian has suggested that your pet cat undergo hip surgery, you probably have questions. A cat can need hip surgery for a variety of reasons related to accidents or preexisting conditions. If you are considering hip surgery for cat, you need to understand the type of hip surgery needed, as well as how to care for your pet after the surgery.

Reasons

A cat may need hip surgery after an accident or fall, if it has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia or simply because of old age. As a cat ages, it can lose bone density or its joints may wear down.

Types of Hip Surgery

Veterinary surgeons perform two types of hip replacement on cats: total hip replacement and femoral head osteotomy, in which the surgeon operates just on the head of the femur. The femur is the longest bone in the leg, and lies between the hip joint and the knee joint.

Selecting a Surgery

You should discuss the type of hip surgery best for your cat with the veterinarian. Factors to consider include the diagnosis, age and general health of the cat, how much your cat weighs and how much you can afford to pay. Elderly pets often are not strong enough to undergo surgery, and have reduced healing capacity.

Aftercare

After the cat undergoes surgery, a pet owner must be prepared to help his pet heal. Many cats need to be confined to a cage and have their legs massaged after surgery.

Prevention

While some breeds are naturally prone to hip problems, cat owners can help prevent the need for surgery. Keep the cat at a healthy weight and feed it a balanced diet. Limit stressful or strenuous activity. According to veterinarian Ron Hines, there is evidence that neutering or spaying your cat before it is fully mature can contribute to poor hip health later in life.

References

• 2nd Chance: Hip Surgery in Your Dog or Cat; Ron Hines, D.V.M.
• The Winn Feline Foundation: Feline Hip Dysplasia; Susan Little, D.V.M.
• The Arthritis & Glucosamine Information Center: What is Feline Hip Dysplasia?