Arthritis in Cats

Arthritis, like asthma, is one of the autoimmune diseases. Usually it builds up for years before it becomes obvious. There two types of arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the ends of the bones at the joints. Osteoarthritis causes deposits of calcium to build up within the joints. many veterinarians believe that arthritis is caused by a combination of things. As it is an autoimmune disease, it cannot occur unless the immune system has been damaged to the point where the immune response begins attacking the body it is supposed to protect. This confusion can result from corticosteroid therapy or from giving repeated vaccinations or many different vaccines at the same time or very close together causing vaccinosis.

Arthritis is a subtle disease. At first, the little stiffness that creeps into the hips or lower back may not be recognized for what it is. The disease is augmented by stress and adrenal exhaustion. Cats living under stress, such as those that are decalwed or those forced to live with incompatible humans or animals, or those who are frequently caged, are more prone to the disease. Treatment with cortisone, ACTH, or other drugs can give temporary relief, but larger and larger doses are usually required and, as stated above, the use of corticosteroids further damages the immune system and you soon find out your're caught in a snowball—rolling down the hill.

Signs of arthritis may include stiffness of movement; seeking out warm or, with some cats, seeking out cool spots; loss of appetite; fatigue; swelling; constipation; skin rashes; fever.

Herbal remedies have proven very helpful to the arthritis patient, but don't expect sudden changes; continue the herbal remedy for 3 to 4 weeks before judging its effect.

Recommendations

• Consult veterinarian for diagnosis.
• Check environment for stresses such as loud radios, careless children and pollutants.
• Provide a snug retreat.
• Feed 3 small meals a day; remove all food between meals.
• Fast on High-Calcium Chicken Broth one day a week.
• Feed the arthritis diet.
• Give one teaspoon of herbal remedies (consult your holistic care veterinarian).

While arthritis is relatively rare in cats when compared with dogs, clinical experience suggests that glucosamine and chondroitin products may also be quite helpful fro arthritic cats. In general, the doses for smaller dogs are used. A study in the 1998 journal, Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, reported that chondroitin sulfate is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis. Supplementation with this compound may be especially helpful for older pets with arthritis.