Dysplasia of the hips is an anomaly of the locomotive system, generally bilateral, and is characterized by a more or less important dislocation of the hip joint. Conditions for the disease's development may be created by a diet too rich in calcium and calories. Although this genetic malady is most often associated with the larger canine breeds, it is also found in some smaller dogs, and more and more frequently in certain feline races, namely the Persians and the Maine Coons.
In principle, both hips are affected, though in an unequal way.
Formal diagnosis of dysplasia is made through observation of a ‘wavy' kind of walk, associated with palpation. Two large groups are affected: young animals 5-8 months, and adults showing a chronic problem. Often, the young animals show sudden signs of one-sided limping and reduced activity. One also notices a marked sensitivity in one or both of the back legs. Mostly they have difficulty standing up, and they avoid walking, running, and climbing stairs. Breaks may occur when the hip is dislocated.
In the early stages, it is just a question of bad adequation between the joint cavity and the top of the femur. Then the latter flattens out, and has the tendency to luxate (dislocate) toward the top and the front, while the joint cavity flattens and fills up.
Older animals suffer from chronic arthritis and pain; the symptoms are more marked after intense activity, or when they get up after lying down for awhile in the cold. The animal prefers a sitting position, and raises itself slowly and with difficulty. A diminution of muscle mass may be observed in the region of the back legs.
Diagnosis is made principally by X-ray. If the condition is light, it is recommended that the animal be anesthetized in order to obtain a sufficiently relaxed muscular state, allowing the dislocation of the top of the femur to be observed in relation to the cavity.There are various stages of dysplasia: Light, moderate, severe, and with luxation (dislocation).
In many cases, there are no signs of pain,; in others they are weak and intermittent. If the animal is suffering only intermittently, it is imperative to make him lose weight. During crisis periods, pain-killers and anti-inflammatory medicines are recommended. The best of these is aspirin, the last resort is cortisone. Surgical intervention may become necessary if medical treatment is ineffective, or if it has to be prescribed on a permanent basis. At the present, dysplasia is an illness with excellent post-operative results - the animal is freed from pain and regains its mobility.
I recently found this document ‘lurking' in my backup files. I had translated it from French a few years ago, and never did anything with it. Unfortunately, following a computer crash, I an no longer locate the original, so must credit the source as ‘unknown'. I believe there is no reason to think that Norwegian Forest Cats are particularly affected by this ailment. However, it is another one of those things twe should keep an eye on.
Paula Swepston
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