My young cat's joints crack. Could it be a breed-specific issue?

I think you need to consult with the orthopedic specialist. I have not heard the term "joint fissures" so I'm not really sure what condition you are talking about. I'm assuming you are referring to OCD (osteochondroisis dissecans) but I'm not sure. If so, OCD is pretty rare in cats and really rare to show up all of a sudden in an older cat. You need the specialist to confirm the diagnosis and then ask them about treatment options, etc. Without having all the information this is really the best advice I can give you.

Hi. Well first I would recommend a very thorough orthopedic exam with your veterinarian to make sure all is ok. I.would also recommend glucosamine and chondroitin feline supplements from your veterinarian or pet store based on age and weight

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The hips are not fully grown or developed at this age however the subluxation that is seen in both hips is definitely abnormal and is likely to cause problems with walking and jumping. I am afraid the dysplasia looks serious and Normal may need surgery in the future to maintain normal mobility.

You do not mention when she had the virus - this is commonly associated with severe lameness which resolves over time in most cases (there does also appear to be poor fusion or injury of one elbow). The xrays are very difficult to assess of the screen, especially as there are no markers to identify right from left limbs and the colour does not always reflect accuratley when transferred. They should not be diagnostic without comparing them to the full physical exam for muscle loss etc. A full review of her diet history would be worthwhile as poor kitten nutrition can lead to complications but generally it appears at an earlier age.

Hi and thanks for posting on PetCoach! The first thing I'd make sure Willow is eating is enough calcium. Be sure Willow is eating a kitten food until she is about 9 months to a year of age as kitten food has more calcium and other minerals in it that is required for healthy bone growth. A great supplement you may want to consider is DHA and EPA. Both are types of omega 3 fatty acid that are excellent for healthy development for multiple organ systems such as the heart, brain, skin, and bone/joint health. I have a product I'd recommend below: # I hope this helps!

There may be some arthritis that could be age related or related to his old injuries. Ideally, he should be examined and possibly x-rayed by your veterinarian. If he is painful, your veterinarian may prescribe medication for pain management.

Hello, sorry to hear about Kairi. It sounds like besides her calicivirus, she is having some difficult time walking? If so, it is believed that this is secondary to osteoarthritis. Young cats with osteoarthritis can often have more than one joint affected and is often something that is management medically. Finding the underlying cause for this osteoarthritis such as infection, an inflammatory response, auto-immune disease, or an old injury must be determined. Surgery may not be able to treat the osteoarthritis but rather help her walk easier. Surgical intervention is often pursued as a salvage procedure and not before diagnosing the source of the osteoarthritis and its effect. I would recommend asking your veterinarian to refer Kairi to an orthopedic surgeon so that they may evaluate her and determine if one or more joints are affected and if surgery or medical management is best for her. Hope this helps and best of luck.