A New Diet for the Treatment of Arthritis in Cats
Pet Owners generally chalk it up to old age. "Shadow doesn't run and jump as much as she used to" or "Fluffy doesn't like me to pet her anymore" or "Every now and then she'll go to the bathroom outside her litter box, but I guess she is just getting old". Strangely enough, these and other subtle behaviour changes may be clinical signs of Feline Osteoarthritis.
Prevalent but Hidden
Due to their small size and natural agility, cats are often able to hide the presence of orthopedic disease. However, several studies have concluded that osteoarthritis is a very common disease in cats. In one of the first clinical studies to determine the prevalence of oseoathritsi in geriatric cats, radiographs revealed degenerative joint disease in an astounding 90% of cats older than 12 years!
Cats vs Dogs
Recognizing arthritis in cats is much more challenging than recognizing it in dogs. Arthritic dogs will generally exhibit overt limping and a stiff gait when they are afflicted with this disease, while cats are more subtle. Acute and chronic pain in cats may be manifested by some or all of the behavioural signs listed below.
Signs of Osteoarthritis in Cats
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Decreased grooming
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Inability to jump as high as before
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Reluctance to jump
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Avoiding human interaction
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Hiding
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Urinating or soiling outside the litter box
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Dislikes being stroked or brushed
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Increased or decreased sleep
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Stiff gait and lameness
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weight loss
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aggression
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constipation or difficulty passing bowel movements
Diagnosis and Treatment for Arthritis
The first step in diagnosing feline osteoarthritis is to discuss any lifestyle or behaviour changes with your veterinarian. Radiographs may be necessary to stage the level of arthritis. Helping cats with osteoarthritis requires a multimodal appraoch that can include lifestyle changes, pharmaceutical therapy and nutritional management. The simple, safe and effective nature of proper nutrition makes it a key factor in helping to improve the quality of life for cats with osteoarthritis. Feeding a food each day that contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce joint inflammation and interrupt cartilage degradation. Nutritional supplements of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate provides the components to help maintain healthy joint cartilage. High levels of L-carnitine help to increase conversion of fat to energy and maintain lean body mass.
Feline J/D
Available in a canned and dry formula. Call or come in to find out more.
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