What Are Some Treatments For Arthritis In Cats?
Q: Our 10-year-old cat has developed severe arthritis in top joint of right leg. The vet gave him a liquid glucosamine, which didn't help much. Are there other options?
A: Arthritis is a very painful disease that affects cats just like it affects dogs. Unfortunately, there aren't as many options out there in terms of medications for arthritic cats. Is the arthritis in the hip joint? If so, there is a surgical procedure that can be done that removes the hip joint and the cat will form a false joint. If not, medications may be the only answer. You should definitely keep your cat on the glucosamine liquid but other things need to be added. Ask your vet about Cosequin injections. Steroid shots may help but only temporarily. When used long term they unfortunately have bad side effects.
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Comments (3)
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Felix June 15, 2009 3:35 PM
I am a 10 year old cat with a pin in my hip from a nasty accident I had some years ago. I have bad arthritis now in my leg and the vet has put me on the maximum dose of Metacam. I'm still quite stiff, but it's not too bad. My owner is getting worried about me being on the Metacam long-term. She can't give me tablets because I get a bit hysterical whan I get picked up. Are there any other alternatives which don't have bad side effects?
Peanut's Mom August 26, 2009 11:31 AM
My 13 year old cat has severe arthritis and is managed on low dose of .01 mg of Metacam. I administer these doses 3 times a week in tiny premeasured syringes which are easy to administer. Just pick up the cat like baby and place the syringe in the side of his mouth. Not too bad. I plan to try Adequan in conjuction with the Metacam and then wean Peanut off the steriods. Good luck.
puzzles November 15, 2009 10:11 PM
Puzz is a 23 year old Persian Cat. She has had arthritis in her shoulder for quite a few years and it has worsened of late. Are there safe medications that can be used.