The Prevalence of Feline Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation and Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae in Pedigree Cats in The Czech Republic

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and lumbosacral transitional vertebra are not well described in cats, most likely because cats can often much better compensate for pelvic limb lameness and hide their pain and, as a result, owners are less likely to notice this condition. Pedigree cats at least 10 months old were recruited prospectively in this study to find the prevalence of feline hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and lumbosacral transitional vertebra. The prevalence of hip joint dysplasia in all pedigree cats was 46.7%, of which 78% of cats had bilateral dysplasia. Dysplasia was mainly from mild (grade 1) to moderate (grade 2); however, 6.1% of hip joints showed signs of severe hip dysplasia (grade 3) in Maine Coon and Siberian cats. Patellar luxation was noted in 32.7% of the pedigree cats, was present bilaterally in 91.4% and was grade 1 or 2 in most cats. The presence of lumbosacral transitional vertebra was noted in 7.5% of the pedigree cats. The high prevalence of hip dysplasia in pedigree cats should be considered and screening pedigree cats for hip dysplasia is recommended before they are used in breeding programs. ABSTRACT: (1) Background: The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of feline hip dysplasia (HD), patellar luxation and lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) in pedigree cats in the Czech Republic. (2) Methods: 107 pedigree cats at least 10 months old were recruited prospectively at the Small Animal Clinic at the University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, CZ, between April 2019 and July 2020. (3) Results: The prevalence of hip joint dysplasia in all pedigree cats was 46.7%, of which 78% of cats had bilateral dysplasia. The HD was mainly from mild (grade 1) to moderate (grade 2); however, 6.1% of hip joints showed signs of severe HD (grade 3) in Maine Coon and Siberian cats. Patellar luxation was noted in 32.7% of the pedigree cats, was present bilaterally in 91.4% and was grade 1 or 2 in most cats. The presence of LTV was noted in 7.5% of pedigree cats. (4) Conclusions: The high prevalence of HD in pedigree cats should be considered and screening pedigree cats for HD is recommended before they are used in breeding programs.