A cat does get older and as he does, the once limber, lithe jumper becomes hesitant and afraid to maneuver high posts and perches. If your pet no longer scales the usual heights, he may have a good reason why – osteoarthritis. This disease can strike many pets in their senior years but it can also affect relatively younger cats. Find out more about osteoarthritis in cats, how it affects your pet’s health and lifestyle and how you can help.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative disease that affects the joints. It is characterized by the degeneration of the cartilage that protects the ends of the bones that form the joints. Once the cartilage becomes thin, the bones rub against each other, causing damage. This leads to pain and inflammation which is often aggravated by movement.
Osteoarthritis falls into two categories:
Osteoarthritis – usually appears on the elbow joints and shoulders of older pets. It is usually caused by repeated trauma on the affected joint, natural wear and tear, fractures or dislocations caused by the day-to-day movements and activities of the cat.
Traumatic arthritis – usually affects cats who experience an injury to the affected joint, usually a sprain.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis in cats?
Owners are often the first to notice the outward signs of osteoarthritis in their pets. Cats who used to walk, jump or run without problems may begin to move more slowly, limp or walk using an unusual movement. They may also begin to show lethargy or weakness on the affected leg and move with obvious pain. If the arthritic joint or leg is touched, the pet may cry out in pain or show aggression. As the pain worsens, pets may also begin to lose appetite. Cats with arthritis may also have joints that feel warm when touched.
How is the disease diagnosed?
A physical exam will help the veterinarian determine if your pet has arthritis. Joints may feel swollen and slightly stiff and the animal might also show discomfort and reluctance when joints are moved or palpated. Gentle, slow movements are usually helpful in helping the cat calm down well enough to be examined thoroughly. X-rays may also be performed during an examination to determine the severity of the disease.
It is often a challenge for vets to diagnose osteoarthritis in cats because of the animal’s dislike of being touched by strangers during a physical exam. Often, a cat with a mild case of the disease may not be properly diagnosed because he can tolerate the condition well. Often, veterinarians have to rely on observation along with the owner’s report regarding the cat’s behavior.
Treatment and management
There are different approaches for treating osteoarthritis in cats. If the animal is overweight, the vet may recommend a diet to help it shed excess pounds. This will help reduce the pressure on the cat’s joints. Anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain, allowing the pet to move more freely. The vet may also recommend moderate exercises daily to increase the mobility of the joint and allow the pet to become active once again.
At home, care must also be taken to ensure that your pet is comfortable. Lowering his bed, for example, or setting a makeshift ladder to help him climb his favorite perch at the windowsill will be very helpful in ensuring that he still gets to enjoy the activities he loves.
