Arthritis in Cats
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that can affect the entire joint, including bone, cartilage, ligaments, fat, and the tissues lining the joint (the synovium). In a young, healthy cat, the cartilage between the bones of a joint protects them from rubbing together. This cartilage is lubricated with joint fluid to facilitate smooth movement. As a cat ages, arthritis can degrade cartilage, change bone shape and cause inflammation, resulting in pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
Signs of arthritis in cats are not exclusive to difficulty jumping. And some of the following warnings may not be present at all times:
Difficulty getting up and down
Walking stiffly
Lameness in one or more legs
Reluctance to go up or down stairs
Reluctance to be touched on some parts of the body
Although the bony changes in a joint cannot be reversed, several things can be done to reduce inflammation and make your pet more comfortable. The treatments can be combined into multi-modal therapy to provide optimum results.
Wise and Wonderful Integrative Veterinary Center, your holistic and integrative Santa Rosa, CA vet, has some tips for treating and living with arthritis in cats.
Weight Loss
Many older cats are overweight due to decreased metabolism and activity. Carrying extra weight can result in increased pain and wear and tear on arthritic joints.
Joint Supplements
Cartilage protectants such as Glucosamine-Chondroitin-MSM or fish oil products are nutritional supplements designed to help the joint cartilage.
Anti-inflammatory Medication
Some cats may benefit from a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID however these need to be used cautiously due to potential toxicities to the liver or kidneys.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin is especially effective for nerve related pain and can work synergistically with other pain medications, especially those that may be prescribed for arthritis.
SOLENSIA™ (frunevetmab) Injection
The FDA has recently approved Solensia for treating osteoarthritis in cats. Solensia is an injectable monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy that is administered monthly to control arthritis pain in cats. The mAb is a highly-specific protein that targets molecules involved in disease. Functioning like naturally occurring antibodies, it is eliminated via normal protein degradation pathways with minimal involvement to the liver or kidneys.
Adequan® Injections
Adequan (Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan) is a product that was initially used as joint injections for horses. It was found that this product helps with cartilage damage, even when not directly injected into a joint. Adequan helps lubricate affected joints and has mild anti-inflammatory effects. There is a loading dose of weekly injections for the first four to six weeks, and then is usually administered monthly. These injections can be done at a veterinarian’s office, or you can learn how to give them at home. The injections can also be administered into acupuncture points for an increased benefit and can easily be incorporated into acupuncture treatment sessions.
Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements can be beneficial in reducing the pain and inflammation of arthritis. There is no “one herb fits all” type of supplement – they are prescribed based on a pet’s condition after an assessment by a veterinarian trained in Chinese medicine and/or herbal therapy.
Cold Laser Treatment
Cold laser treatment is also an anti-inflammatory modality used to treat arthritis in cats. It is a painless modality that penetrates tissue to release endorphins, assist with cell regeneration, and improve blood circulation.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture for cats with arthritis is becoming much more widespread. Acupuncture can increase blood flow to help reduce inflammation and provide greater comfort by stimulating the release of endorphins and anti-inflammatory substances and relaxing muscles surrounding the affected joints.
Acupuncture needles are placed in specific points mapped out over thousands of years. Research has shown that these points have increased nerve and vascular bundles to improve blood flow and oxygenation, which helps joints move more freely and with less pain.
Not all cats are amenable to acupuncture treatments, but those overly sensitive to needles can benefit from laser treatment with an acupuncture tip. Another way to provide acupuncture for cats with arthritis is to use aquapuncture, which is the injection of a small amount of Vitamin B12 or Adequan into the acupuncture points. Electrical stimulation of acupuncture points can also relax muscle spasms and improve nerve function.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care can address arthritis in cats, especially if your pet is out of alignment and placing excessive stress on a joint. Spinal imbalance can be created when pets bear weight or move asymmetrically due to different joint comfort levels, adding to the patient’s discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments can restore balance and help improve joint motion and reduce pain to make your pet more comfortable.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy is another safe and non-invasive treatment for arthritis pain and other conditions. It has been referred to as an “NPAID” or non-pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory device. It sends electromagnetic waves painlessly into the tissue to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. One way to administer PEMF is with a device called an Assisi Loop. A PEMF treatment takes about 15 minutes and can be administered in the office or at home up to several times daily. It is an excellent option for clients who want to perform regular treatments effectively at home.
In Summary
All of these treatment modalities for arthritis are available at Wise and Wonderful Integrative Veterinary Center. Please call Wise and Wonderful, your Sonoma County Veterinarian, for a consultation on what overall treatment plan would work best for your pet. 707-546-4646
