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Osteoarthritis is a joint disease in which the cartilage (fibrous caps) covering the articular surfaces of the bones degenerate and bony proliferation (excess bone growth) occurs. This condition usually results in pain and lameness of the joints involved.
Signs of Osteoarthritis
Your cat has mild to severe lameness in hind and/or front legs upon standing, thickening of the joints of affected legs, overall stiffness, and apathy. Although it doesn't disappear, the lameness usually improves after the cat has had mild exercise. If you gently move the affected joints, you may hear a grinding noise of cartilage or bone grating against cartilage and/or bone. You may notice the presence of a mild fever that seems to randomly appear, disappear and reappear. These symptoms may have developed slowly over the course of several years.
Has your cat experienced a joint injury or joint infection at any time in the past? Is he an older animal? He may suffer from a type of arthritis. The word "arthritis" simply means joint inflammation. The disease has many types and causes, including old age and previous trauma to a joint due to infection or injury. In the case of congenital arthritis, some breeds are genetically predisposed to getting arthritis.
Treatment of Osteoarthritis
There is no effective means of arresting the progression of osteoarthritis in older cats, so treatment is usually symptomatic, directing at relieving any significant pain and assisting the cat in getting to his or her favorite resting spot. Unfortunately, most drugs useful for the symptomatic relief of arthritis in people, dogs, and other animals are toxic to cats. One of the safest drugs for people or dogs, aspirin, can cause severe illness in cats and should only be used with care under the direction of a veterinarian. Fortunately, few cats with osteoarthritis show discomfort and intermittent lameness or lameness that is only present on arising usually needs no treatment.
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Weight reduction usually significantly improves lameness in obese cats with arthritis. Soft bedding, warm dry quarters, and access to a towel-covered heating pad set at a safe, low temperature also help relive discomfort. Acupuncture may help cats who don't respond to more conventional treatments, as do some nutritional supplements with antiinflammatory effects.
Topics to Explore
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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