What is the recommended management for hip dysplasia in Maine Coon cats?

Management of Hip Dysplasia in Maine Coon Cats

The optimal management of hip dysplasia in Maine Coon cats requires a combination of weight control, exercise modification, pain management, and in severe cases, surgical intervention. Hip dysplasia is particularly common in Maine Coon cats, with a reported prevalence of 46.7% 1, making it a significant health concern for this breed.

Diagnosis and Assessment

• Hip dysplasia in Maine Coons is often bilateral (78% of cases) 1
• Clinical signs may include:
  • Inactivity
  • Pelvic limb lameness (often bilateral and difficult to recognize)
  • Difficulty jumping and climbing
  • Reluctance to squat when defecating 2
• Radiographic findings typically show abnormally shallow acetabulum, though subluxation is not consistently associated with osteoarthritis in cats 2

Non-Surgical Management

Weight Management

• Weight control is essential as increased body mass is genetically correlated (0.285) with hip dysplasia severity 3
• Maine Coons with hip dysplasia should be maintained at an ideal body condition score (aim for 4-5/9) 2

Exercise Modification

• Implement controlled, low-impact exercise
• Avoid activities that exacerbate pain (jumping from heights, climbing)
• Provide environmental modifications:
  • Ramps to favorite perching spots
  • Easily accessible litter boxes with low sides 2

Pain Management

1. First-line pharmacological treatment:

   • NSAIDs at the lowest effective dose for pain flares 4
   • Only use cat-specific NSAIDs prescribed by a veterinarian (never human medications)

2. For mild-moderate pain:

   • Veterinary-approved analgesics as directed by a veterinarian 4

3. For cats with poor response to NSAIDs:

   • Consider multimodal pain management with veterinary-approved opioid analgesics 4

Supportive Care

• Physical rehabilitation techniques:
  • Gentle massage
  • Passive range of motion exercises
  • Warm compresses to affected joints 5
• Provide soft, comfortable bedding in easily accessible locations
• Consider nutraceuticals (joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin) 2

Surgical Management

Surgical intervention should be considered when non-surgical management fails to provide adequate pain relief:

1. Femoral Head and Neck Excision (FHNE):

   • More commonly performed but results can be inconsistent in cats 2
   • Better outcomes in smaller cats

2. Total Hip Replacement (THR):

   • Consider for larger Maine Coons with severe hip dysplasia
   • Better functional outcomes than FHNE but higher risk of complications 2
   • Should be performed by experienced surgeons

Breeding Considerations

• Hip dysplasia in Maine Coons has a heritability of 0.36 (95% CI: 0.30-0.43) 3
• Selective breeding against hip dysplasia has been shown to successfully reduce severity of symptoms 3
• Maine Coon breeders should consider radiographic screening of breeding cats
• Caution against breeding standards that encourage extremely large body types, as this may inadvertently select for hip dysplasia 3

Monitoring and Follow-up

• Regular veterinary assessment of pain and mobility
• Adjust management plan based on disease progression
• Monitor body weight consistently
• Be aware that clinical signs may worsen with age 2

Important Considerations

• Male Maine Coons may be at higher risk for related conditions like slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) 6
• Early neutering may contribute to delayed physeal closure, potentially affecting hip development 6
• Assessment of pain in cats is challenging - watch for subtle changes in behavior, mobility, and grooming habits 2