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Originally Posted by Britgirl41
My vet has him on Prednisone daily, and he seems to be doing OK. Still limping, and plopping down to rest after walking... You mentioned it is a straightforward surgery. Just how traumatic is it for the animal?
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I hope he is on
Prednisolone and not prednisone. Prednisolone is much safer and effective for cats. Prednisone is not longer recommended for cats. Also there are other options other than steroids which might be safer. Cosequin is a natural supplement that comes in convenient sprinkle caps. Omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil) helps reduce arthritic inflammation and is also easy to add onto food. Many veterinarians and clients are also using Metacam for arthritis in cats. It is similar to celebrex in human medicine. It comes as a honey flavored liquid and for chronic use in a cat is administered only 2-3 times weekly. Also there is tramadol which can be used. All four of these options can be used individually or in combination to help maximize patient comfort. Cosequin and Omega 3 have virtually no side effects. Metacam should be monitored, but certainly no more than steroids. Tramadol is also very safe. Also if steroids are still the method that you choose, please avoid injectable Depo medrol and consider adding Denamarin and pepcid (famotidine) to the regimen to help against the affects of the steroids.
The FHO procedure is fairly straightforward surgery. Also, unlike a human total hip, there is NO implantation other than suture material which is used to close the wound. The surgery removed the fractured or diseased femoral head from pressing and painfully rubbing against the hip bone each time the cat moves his or her leg and allows a 'false joint' to form. Most cats and small dogs do wonderfully with this. It is not an ideal solution for dogs over 40 pounds (20kg).
I hope that helps.
