Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs nsaids are sometimes prescribed for feline arthritis which is similar to how the condition is treated in humans.
Cat arthritis symptoms treatments.
Arthritis treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function.
Arthritis also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease causes pain and inflammation in a cat s joints.
Veterinarians often prescribe a variety of medications to treat arthritis but these often aren t well tolerated by cats.
Fortunately there has been an increase in options available to help manage and treat arthritis pain in cats.
2 nsaids are highly effective at controlling pain and inflammation of joints.
Although fairly uncommon in felines arthritis tends to affect the elbow joint when it does strike but many joints can be afflicted.
This type of medication is often given every day.
These include nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medications acetaminophen and aspirin as well as anti inflammatory medications like corticosteroids.
Here s what you need to know about what causes cat arthritis the signs you can look for and what veterinary treatment options are available.
What are the symptoms of arthritis in cats.
A cat can develop arthritis over time in their joints and limbs as well as their spine.
You may need to try several different treatments or combinations of treatments before you determine what works best for you.
Options they may recommend include.
Cat arthritis treatment with medication the mainstay of arthritis treatment in humans and dogs is with nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs nsaids painkillers that reduce inflammation in joints.
And cats have peculiar problems when it comes to using anti inflammatories the mainstay of treating arthritis.
If your cat s arthritis pain becomes chronic your vet may prescribe opioids.
If medication is needed we all know how difficult daily dosing of meds can be in a cat.
Treatment treating arthritis in cats can be more challenging than treating dogs for a couple of reasons.
Opioids will likely need to be injected.
Commonly used arthritis.
Common examples of this are codeine or morphine.
Medications and supplements can help as can massage acupuncture and even surgery.
If a cat seems stiff or painful has swollen joints loses muscle mass or has a hard time moving around it might have arthritis.
Non steroidal anti inflammatories help reduce pain and inflammation.
Side effects of nsaids include vomiting diarrhea and loss of appetite.
Treatment for arthritis in cats.
Keeping a cat in good shape through proper diet can help relieve the symptoms.