United We Stand, Divided We Fall

August 5, 2025

Dislocated Joints in Cats

Nancy Kerr

The human body is made of 206 bones; however, “a domestic cat typically has 230 to 250 bones, depending on factors like breed and individual variations, such as tail length or extra toes (polydactyly).”¹ Male cats even have a bone in their penis, called the baculum. Bones and the joints that connect them are important to all vertebrates, such as cats.

“Bones provide a rigid framework to [sic] body, helping maintain its normal shape, as well as protecting vital organs of the body. A joint is a structure where two or more bones meet (articulate) together. A capsule is present in articulating joints, which has a thick fibrous layer that helps in stabilizing the joint. In most joints, ligaments are also present, which ensure movements of joints within normal ranges. Therefore, if joints become damaged, disrupted, or undergo abnormal development, they become unstable.”²

The luxation and subluxation are terms used to describe the extent of dislocation and disruption of a joint. “A joint luxation is a dislocation or complete separation between the bones that normally articulate (move back and forth) to form a joint.  Subluxation refers to a partial separation of the joint. The most commonly subluxated joint in cats is the hip, although any joint can be affected.”³

Causes of Dislocation

Joint dislocations most “commonly affect the hip, elbow, shoulder, and jaw joints.”⁴ There are “two basic forms of joint luxation: trauma-induced luxation, or congenital (meaning present at birth). The latter form is aggravated by stress at later stages.”² “Certain breeds of cats may inherit a predisposition to a conformation or anatomical condition that makes them more likely to experience joint subluxations. For example, Maine Coon Cats have a higher incidence of hip dysplasia [the abnormal development of cells in the hip joint], making them more likely to have a subluxated hip joint.”³

The most common causes of “limping in cats include joint dislocations, which frequently result from trauma. A leading cause of joint dislocations in urban environments is high-rise syndrome, where cats fall from elevations.”⁴ Other causes can include getting hit by a vehicle, being injured by a human, and getting in a fight with another cat or animal. These events may also cause severe jaw injury.

Symptoms of Dislocation

The most common clinical signs associated with joint dislocation of hip, shoulder or elbow include the “sudden onset of limping or lameness, reluctance to walk or jump, pain when touching or moving the joint, swelling or warmth of the joint, persistent licking at the joint, decreased appetite, and decreased activity.”³ Other signs may include an “unusual bend in the limb, deformation around the joint, and loss of sensation in the toes.”⁵ Symptoms of dislocation of the jaw may include swelling or bruising around the jaw, difficulty eating or drinking, drooling, a change in the alignment of the jaw, pain or discomfort, reluctance to open or close the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.⁶

Diagnosing a Dislocation

The veterinarian will go over any history of trauma, injury, or recent intense activity or exertion. When a joint dislocation is suspected, an X-ray (radiograph) will be performed to definitively diagnose the dislocation. “Other diagnostic tests may include computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).”³ “The veterinarian will also need to assess the joint’s stability and look for additional complications, such as fractures or nerve damage that might accompany the dislocation.”⁴

Treatment

If you suspect a dislocated joint, it is critical to seek immediate veterinary care. Early treatment greatly improves the outcome and reduces the risk of long-term complications. The treatment plan will depend on several factors including “which joint is affected, how long the dislocation has been present, and whether there are any complicating factors like fractures. In many cases, closed reduction (manually returning the joint to its proper position without surgery) under anesthesia is attempted first. If successful, the joint may be immobilized with a splint or bandage to allow healing.”⁴ Keep in mind that surgery may be necessary for more complicated cases or chronic dislocations.

A veterinarian may prescribe medication to help with pain management which can include: “non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioid pain medications, muscle relaxants, joint supplements such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate, antibiotics (if dislocation involved a penetrating wound, exposed bone, or required surgical intervention), corticosteroids, and Gabapentin.”⁴

Recovery at home will require keeping the cat from engaging in strenuous physical activity. This generally means either confining the cat in a cage or a small room for several weeks. To avoid jumping or climbing, everything that the cat needs such as food, water, and litter box should be on the same level – preferably lower. Bedding should be extra comfortable as the cat will be spending extended periods of time on it. Stressful situations should be avoided if possible. In the case of jaw dislocation, a wide variety of treatments is available (depending upon the severity of the injury), but many of the above caveats still apply.

“Anti-inflammatory fatty acids, found in fish oil, can support the healing process by reducing joint inflammation and promoting overall joint health.”⁴ Keep an eye on what the cat is eating since cats recovering from an injury may have a reduced appetite. With jaw dislocation, food and water intake will need to be monitored carefully. High-quality protein food that is easy to digest can ensure they maintain their strength.

Regular check-ups with the veterinarian will be required. Depending on the how bad the dislocation is, physical therapy may also be recommended.

Prognosis

There are a several things that you can do to reduce the risk of a dislocated joint happening again. If possible, prevent access to spots where a cat could jump or fall from an elevated surface. Support joint health with supplements, proper nutrition, and exercise. Make sure to keep the cat’s weight under control. The more overweight a cat is, the increased chance of injuries.

The prognosis for recovery in most acute (sudden) or traumatic joint dislocations is good, provided the injury is treated immediately. “Chronic dislocations, such as those associated with hip dysplasia, may be successfully managed medically or may require surgical treatment. With any joint injury, the patient has an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis in the future.”³ To help delay osteoarthritis, many cats may benefit from life-long supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Weight management is also critical to reduce future arthritic issues after joint injuries.

Sources

1. Cat Skeletal System: A Closer Look at Feline Anatomy, 05/21/2025, Accessed 06/07/2023, https://vettoday.com/, https://vettoday.com/blog/pet-health/cat-skeletal-system/
2. Joint Dislocation in Cats, 03/27/2010, Accessed 06/07/2025, https://www.petmd.com/, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_joint_luxation
3. Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Tammy Hunter, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM, Joint Subluxations in Cats, 2023, Accessed 06/07/2025, https://vcahospitals.com/, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/bone-and-joint-tumors-in-cats
4. Joint Dislocation in Cats: 7 Essential Medications for Recovery, 03/31/2025, Accessed 06/07/2025, https://thepetvet.com/, https://thepetvet.com/joint-dislocation-in-cats/
5. Phillip Mlynar, Dislocated Joints (Luxations) In Cats: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments, 07/19/2021, Accessed 06/07/2025, https://cattime.com/, https://cattime.com/cat-facts/health/41801-dislocated-joints-luxations-cats-symptoms-causes-treatments
6. Caesar Hargraves, Understanding the Symptoms of a Dislocated Jaw in Cats, 05/10/2024, Accessed 06/18/2025, https://petshun.com/article/cat-dislocated-jaw-symptoms