What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the healthy cartilage cushion in the joints wears away. The condition causes alterations to the cartilage, joint capsule, and supporting bone structures that make up the joint.

Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage cushion to break down, which leads to the joint bones rubbing against one another, causing intense pain, a reduction in joint movement, and occasionally the development of bone spurs or other abnormalities in and around the joints.

Osteoarthritis in cats

Osteoarthritis in cats is the most widespread cause of cat joint pain. The most prevalent type of osteoarthritis in cats is brought on by the aging process and is frequently accompanied by other degenerative conditions including hip dysplasia.

Cats may develop osteoarthritis as a result of a basic issue with the joint, such as excessive stress or an irregular form. It might also appear as a result of the normal wear and tear a cat experiences.

The primary cause of osteoarthritis in cats has, however, not been clearly identified, which is why the disease in cats is under-diagnosed and less well understood than is the case with dogs.

The hip, stifle (knee), tarsus (ankle), and elbow are the joints that are usually affected when cats have osteoarthritis. Older cats are more susceptible to osteoarthritis and are more prone to experienceosteoarthritis symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis in cats

Weight loss, loss of appetite, depression, changes in the cat's general demeanor, bad grooming habits, urinating or defecating outside the litter pan, and the inability to jump on and off things are all clinical signs of osteoarthritis in cats.

Compared to dogs, these clinical signs are usually less visible. In addition to these signs, you might spot symptoms like lameness or adjustments to the cat's stride. The cat's level of activity may also change, and you can notice that it generally hesitates to jump up and down.

Arthritis relief for cats

Arthritis relief for cats requires prompt diagnosis and treatment when warning signs and symptoms are spotted. The diagnosis is usually made using a combination of physical examinations and imaging modalities such as x-rays.

Diagnosing cats for osteoarthritis is difficult because of their overall resistance to manipulation and being held. Examination of the presence of the condition becomes very challenging to conduct. Different activity evaluations can, however, be employed to assess a cat's mobility when it exhibits resistance toward being manipulated.

Cat osteoarthritis requires a multimodal approach to treatment. This entails combining various therapies to enhance the cat's comfort and quality of life. These therapeutic choices cannot be made in a broad manner since each cat must be considered individually, along with the cat owner.

Weight management, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), adjunctive drug therapy, the use of dietary supplements that could be offered through suitable cat starter kits, the promotion of environmental changes to improve the cat's quality of life, and physical rehabilitation using techniques like low-level laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and massage are all possible treatment options.

Concluding remarks

It is possible to protect your cat from being affected with osteoarthritis. Learn more about how keeping the pet’s weight under control, feeding it on a life diet, and keeping it active and healthy with regular playtime, among others could help to keep osteoarthritis at bay.