What Is Femoral Head Necrosis?
Femoral Head Necrosis, also known as avascular necrosis of the femoral head, is a condition that affects the hip joint in cats. It occurs when the blood supply to the femoral head (the ball-shaped top of the thigh bone) is disrupted, leading to bone deterioration and joint dysfunction. Over time, this can cause significant pain, lameness, and mobility issues for affected cats.
What Causes Femoral Head Necrosis in Cats?
Femoral Head Necrosis occurs when blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, leading to bone deterioration and joint dysfunction. The exact cause isn’t always clear, but common factors include:
Trauma or Injury – Falls, high-impact jumps, or repetitive stress on the hip can damage blood vessels.
Genetics – Some cats may have a predisposition to vascular issues affecting the femoral head.
Avascular Necrosis – In some cases, blood flow is cut off without an obvious injury, leading to bone collapse.
Which Cats are at risk?
Young cats (under two years old) – Their bones are still developing.
Highly active cats – More prone to minor, repeated injuries.
Cats with previous hip injuries – May have underlying vascular damage.
Early detection and treatment can prevent long-term pain and mobility issues.
How Is Femoral Head Necrosis Diagnosed?
Veterinary Examination
A thorough veterinary exam is crucial for diagnosing Femoral Head Necrosis in cats. Since early symptoms like limping or stiffness can be mistaken for other joint issues, a vet will assess your cat’s mobility, pain levels, and joint functionthrough a physical examination.
Key Diagnostic Tests
- Physical Assessment – The vet will check for signs of pain, reduced range of motion, and muscle loss in the affected leg.
- X-rays (Radiographs) – The most reliable way to confirm Femoral Head Necrosis. X-rays reveal changes in bone structure, including degeneration, flattening, or irregularities in the femoral head.
- Additional Imaging (if needed) – In some cases, advanced imaging like a CT scan may be recommended for a more detailed view of joint damage.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Early detection allows for timely treatment, reducing pain and improving mobility. If left untreated, the condition can worsen, making recovery more difficult. If your cat shows signs of limping or hip pain, a vet visit is essential.
Treatment Options: Surgery vs. Conservative Management
Most cases of Femoral Head Necrosis require surgical intervention, as the condition worsens over time.
Surgical Approach: Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
The most effective treatment is a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO), where the damaged femoral head is removed. This eliminates pain and allows the surrounding muscles to form a false joint, restoring mobility. Cats typically recover well and go on to live pain-free lives.
Non-Surgical Management (Short-Term Relief Only)
In mild cases, pain relief, restricted activity, and physiotherapy may temporarily reduce discomfort. However, these do not stop disease progression, and surgery is usually the best long-term solution.
Case Study: Sydney’s Journey with Femoral Head Necrosis at The Village Vet
Sydney, a beautiful 3-year-old Ragdoll, was brought to Killara Vet after suddenly becoming lame in one of his back legs. Having previously experienced a similar issues, his owners quickly sought veterinary care. X-rays confirmed a diagnosis of Femoral Head Necrosis.
To relieve his discomfort and restore mobility, Dr. Eugene Buffa at Killara Veterinary Hospital performed a Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO). This procedure involved removing the femoral head (the ball part of the hip joint), eliminating the source of pain and preventing further joint deterioration.
Following surgery, Sydney’s body adapted by forming a “false joint”, allowing him to regain mobility without the painful bone-on-bone contact. While it doesn’t recreate a normal hip joint, FHO significantly improves comfort and quality of life. Most cats adjust well and return to their usual activities after recovery and rehabilitation.
After some rest, care, and TLC, Sydney has made a fantastic recovery! He has won over the hearts of our team, and we are thrilled to see him happy and active again. A huge thank you to Sydney’s wonderful owners for trusting us with his care!
Post-Surgery Recovery and Care for Cats
Pain Management & Medication
After surgery, your vet will prescribe pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication to keep your cat comfortable during recovery.
Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
Gentle physiotherapy exercises help restore mobility and prevent muscle loss. Some cats may also benefit from laser therapy or hydrotherapy to aid healing.
Encouraging Movement While Preventing Strain
While rest is important, light movement should be encouraged to prevent stiffness. Avoid jumping or rough play during the healing period.
Monitoring for Complications
Watch for signs of swelling, limping, or discomfort and follow up with your vet to ensure a smooth recovery. Most cats regain full mobility within a few months.
Can Femoral Head Necrosis Be Prevented?
While not always preventable, certain measures can reduce the risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight – Excess weight puts extra strain on joints.
- Prevent injuries – Provide safe climbing spaces and minimize high-impact jumps.
- Regular vet check-ups – Early detection of hip issues can improve outcomes.
When to See a Vet: Early Intervention Matters
If your cat is limping, reluctant to jump, or showing signs of pain, seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Early diagnosis allows for better management and treatment. With proper care, cats undergoing FHO surgery can recover well and live pain-free, active lives.
