Feline Hip Dysplasia Testing

[BB76]

Until very recently, cats were not thought to be affected by hip dysplasia but more cases are now being reported. I am interested to understand how many cat breeders are aware of the condition and have been testing for the genetic defect before breeding? I welcome any comments, views or experiences of the condition.

[smudgley]

Originally Posted by BB76

Until very recently, cats were not thought to be affected by hip dysplasia but more cases are now being reported. I am interested to understand how many cat breeders are aware of the condition and have been testing for the genetic defect before breeding? I welcome any comments, views or experiences of the condition.

Do you mean tested for HD or having a routine X-Ray to score the hips? I didn't know this could be done for cats?

[BB76]

It is amazing how many people are not aware of the condition and how tests can be undertaken:

http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/Page...plasia_Web.pdf

Thanks for taking the time to read my post!

[smudgley]

Screening in this country though?

[Moli]

Must admit I have never heard of it either...

[farthing]

We thought Pumpkin might have hip dysplasis, after discussing his funny walk with one of our vets. They said it was possible, Pumpkin is a semi-feral, ginger mongrel. After x-rays it turned out he had 2 dislocated kneecaps, something also, supposedly rare in cats. He has had an op in each knee to help the problem, but since then I have always been aware that it is possible in cats.

[BB76]

Thank you for all taking the time to read this thread and to share your research - I sincerely hope that the profile of this condition is being raised and every breeder who was not aware of Hip Dysplasia will now ensure they discuss it with their vet before any future breeding is planned. You may also be interested to read about a HD Health Programme which is underway:

http://pawpeds.com/healthprogrammes/HDinfoOwner.html

Again this highlights the condition, brings awareness that HD is a hereditary defect in cats and more importantly confirms the test that breeding cats should have, including here in the UK.

Please do not ignore this test if you are a breeder (especially of BSH cats). Whatever the percentages state I can confirm this is a truly awful condition and not as uncommon as people think and the profile must continue to be raised through all possible avenues. Talk to your vet, add it to your next cat breeding meeting agenda and note on your websites that you test for HD in your breeding line.

[smudgley]

Originally Posted by smudgley

Screening in this country though?

?..................

[BB76]

Yes - in the UK - speak with vet who can arrange the x-ray.....as I will shortly be doing for my other 2 year old cat who comes from the same litter and therefore bloodline as my male who on Friday had a Femoral Head Ostectomy. This is common in the UK, tested in the UK and treated in the UK. Let's prevent it!

[smudgley]

Originally Posted by BB76

Yes - in the UK - speak with vet who can arrange the x-ray.....as I will shortly be doing for my other 2 year old cat who comes from the same litter and therefore bloodline as my male who on Friday had a Femoral Head Ostectomy. This is common in the UK, tested in the UK and treated in the UK. Let's prevent it!

I don't need to speak to a vet thanks. I don't breed cats. My point is what will the x-ray do? Are you talking about a hip scoring scheme similar to the KC one for dogs? If so who will regulate it? Do you really think every vet is specialised enough in orthopedics to have a look at a cats hip x-ray & grade them? Or are they just going to say - yes good hips/no - bad hips? What certification will be given to prove to potential kitten buyers that the cats hips are good? What will they be graded against/ how will they be measured?