11/09/2026
🐾 Meet Azuki 🐾
Azuki initially presented to the practice for a second opinion after being treated for a possible spinal injury. He was experiencing extreme pain around his back end and was reluctant to get up and walk. His signs had developed over a few days, and as an indoor cat with no apparent trauma, there was no obvious cause for his symptoms.
Given his breed and clinical presentation, avascular necrosis of the femoral head was considered as a differential diagnosis. Also known as Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease 🦴. This rare condition can have both a genetic predisposition or occur following trauma. It is commonly seen in toy breed dogs and in certain breeds of posh cats!
Avascular necrosis occurs when the blood supply to the femoral head — the “ball” of the hip joint — is disrupted. Without an adequate blood supply, the bone can deteriorate, resulting in significant pain and reduced mobility. Azuki’s pain was so bad he did not want to be touched in consult 😔
X-rays confirmed the diagnosis, and surgery was promptly arranged with SAS to perform bilateral femoral head and neck ostectomies (FHO). 🩻
Following surgery, dedicated physiotherapy at home is an important part of recovery. Fortunately, Azuki responded incredibly well, and his owner now reports that he is back on his feet and back to causing mischief! And sleeping on his back again (slide 6)😸 Hip hip Hooray 🙌
Azuki’s case is a useful reminder that breed-associated conditions should be considered when investigating lameness or pain — even when there is no history of trauma.
🔎 For pet owners: if your cat becomes reluctant to move, jump, walk or get up, don’t assume they’re simply being quiet or “a bit stiff”. Cats are experts at hiding pain, and changes in mobility can be an important sign that something is wrong!
