Sore hips in 1 year old cat.

Dr. Marie replied:

Hi and thanks for asking a question. This is not a common situation. I haven't seen too many young cats that have stiffness like you are describing.

If this was my case I really would be recommending some xrays. I would want to take an xray that looks at Belle's hips and her spine.

I have seen some young cats that have something called Legge-Perthes disease. This is a condition that affects the blood supply to the hip joint. It is very painful. It can usually be cured with surgery, however.

I have also seen cats have unusual spinal deformities that can cause problems like you have described.

If there is a problem and surgery is not an option then the xrays should tell us how we can fix the problem. It may be worthwhile to put Belle on an anti-inflammatory medication such as Metacam or to put her on a more natural supplement like Cosequin.

If I didn't find anything unusual on the xray, I would likely want to try a two week course of an anti-inflammatory to see if it makes a difference. If so, then we know there is a pain issue and she should be treated.

One final thought. I don't think this is it, but some cats with a condition called cerebellar hypoplasia can have a very strange gait. This question I answered previously has some videos of cats with cerebellar hypoplasia: videos of cats with cerebellar hypoplasia. If you think this is how Belle is walking, then let me know and we can talk more about that.

Otherwise, I really do think a vet visit and some xrays is a good idea.

Hope everything works out ok!

Dr. Marie.

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