Feline Total Hip Replacement
Hip joint injuries and diseases in cats are common. They include hip dysplasia, hip arthritis of undetermined cause, fractures, luxation, and arthritis secondary to previous trauma. Pain medical management of hip arthritis in cats presents specific challenges because of their increased likelihood of kidney disease when receiving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and because of challenges in implementing specific exercise programs for cats.
The modular micro Total Hip Replacement (THR) prosthesis shown above includes an acetabular cup, femoral stem, and femoral head that are sized perfectly for most cats. Hip replacement is widely used to manage hip disease in humans and dogs, and the same principles apply to cats. THR is performed on non-infected arthritic hips to provide a pain free joint with normal biomechanical function. THR is also performed to manage fractures that have a poor prognosis for successful surgical repair, coxofemoral luxation that cannot be maintained in reduction, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and painful arthritis secondary to malunions of the pelvis or femur. Confinement to an exercise pen for 4-6 weeks during postoperative rehabilitation is recommended. Successful results have been seen and reported in cats following total hip replacement.
The modular micro Total Hip Replacement (THR) prosthesis shown above includes an acetabular cup, femoral stem, and femoral head that are sized perfectly for most cats. Hip replacement is widely used to manage hip disease in humans and dogs, and the same principles apply to cats. THR is performed on non-infected arthritic hips to provide a pain free joint with normal biomechanical function. THR is also performed to manage fractures that have a poor prognosis for successful surgical repair, coxofemoral luxation that cannot be maintained in reduction, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and painful arthritis secondary to malunions of the pelvis or femur. Confinement to an exercise pen for 4-6 weeks during postoperative rehabilitation is recommended. Successful results have been seen and reported in cats following total hip replacement.
The radiographs show a hip fracture, hip replacement (2 views) and femoral head ostectomy
Femoral head ostectomy (FHO) (removal of the femoral head and neck) is another procedure that can be performed to relieve hip pain in cats but very limited objective information regarding the results of FHO in cats has been reported. Clinically, the results of FHO in cats appear unpredictable. It is unknown if cats are negatively impacted more by the displacement of the femur causing leg length shortening, or by the scar tissue formation around the joint that forms after FHO which in turn leads to loss of hip movement and pain.
THR is a viable technique that can be used in cats, and it appears to be superior to FHO based on redevelopment of thigh muscle mass, hip joint range of motion, gait, and owner assessment following the procedure.
THR is a viable technique that can be used in cats, and it appears to be superior to FHO based on redevelopment of thigh muscle mass, hip joint range of motion, gait, and owner assessment following the procedure.
For more information contact:
Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, 1111 West Loop South #160, Houston, Texas 77027; 713 693 1122; www.GCVS.com
