3-legged cat undergoes complex total hip replacement procedure

Total hip replacement is a relatively new procedure in cats, despite the procedure having been successfully performed in dogs for decades.¹ Recently, the Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon (VRCCO) shared a case of a particularly complex feline total hip replacement from September 2024 in a small patient that only had 1 back leg.

Veterinary surgeons have only been able to replace smaller hips, such as those in cats, in the most recent years.1 Yet, there is still little research on long-term follow up on these felines.²

To date, few surgeons have obtained the specialized training required to perform the procedure on small breeds, according to VRCCO.¹ Unlike traditional canine hip replacements, the nano and micro hip implant systems are distinct and require their own set of specialized instruments.¹

The patient brought to VRCCO, Moira, a domestic shorthair cat, had sustained a severe fracture to her right hind leg prior to her visit to the center, that led to its amputation. Following the amputation, it was found that Moira had also experienced an injury to her pelvis, including a chronic luxation, or dislocation, of her left hip.¹

Moira. (Image courtesy of Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon)

“She was using [her leg], but not well and [was] just kind of swinging it out to the side and didn’t want to walk around a lot,” said Moira’s owner in a video by Veterinary Referral Center.³ “...I knew priority one was bringing her in and seeing what kind of surgery could be done for it to help her be more comfortable.”

At the Bone, Joint and Spine Center of VRCCO, Moira’s owner met with Mauricio Dujowich, DVM, DACVS, CCRT, who examined Moira and suggested a total hip replacement surgery. According to VRCCO, Moira’s small size and her only having one back leg made the case an especially challenging one as her new hip would have to carry a substantial amount of weight immediately following surgery.

“Being such a small patient, we basically only had one chance at it—we really needed to get this right the first time” said Dujowich in the video.³ According to Dujowich, the team performed a computed tomography (CT) scan and utilized 3D printing technology to create a replica of Moira’s hip and femur. The team then practiced on the 3D model prior to performing the procedure.

“Given how small her bones were, precision was critical. Understanding her specific anatomy and practicing on the 3D models of the hip and femur allowed the team to refine their approach, ensuring everything went well on surgery day,” said Dujowich in a news release.¹

“I don’t think I would have felt comfortable doing her surgery had I not had a dry run at it. Having that technology available to us really made a big difference in making sure that we’re doing what’s right,” he said in a video.³

When it comes to hip replacement, efficiency is important, according to Dujowich.³ “The more time we’re in surgery, the higher the chance that we can develop an infection,” he said.³ “If we can have a team that’s not fast, but a team that’s efficient, it makes a huge, huge difference so that we can get in and out as quick as possible.”

According to VRCCO, the surgery was successful, and Moira is now thriving.¹ VRCCO also commended Moira’s owner for seeking treatment for Moira to determine the best treatment option for her.¹

References

1. Surgeon performs life-changing total hip replacement for three-legged cat. News release. Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon. April 16, 2025. Accessed April 18, 2025. https://www.newswire.com/news/surgeons-perform-life-changing-total-hip-replacement-for-three-legged-22550075
2. Warren R. Young cat back to full activity after total hip replacement. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. March 29, 2024. Accessed April 18, 2025. https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/young-cat-back-full-activity-after-total-hip-replacement
3. Veterinary Referral Center Youtube page. Accessed April 18, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gPVIdwWKkM