Degenerative Joint Disease (Osteoarthritis) In Cats

Pet parents may not consider the possibility that their aging furry companion may be suffering from degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis). They may notice their cat gradually becoming less active but simply write it off to another part of the natural aging process.

The truth when discussing degenerative joint disease in cats is there is about a one in three chance of it occurring before the age of 10 and a seven out of ten chance of it occurring after the age of 10. It is by far the most common form of arthritis in cats. Other forms include progressive polyarthritis, septic arthritis, and spondylitis (when the vertebrates are involved with the progression of arthritis.

Though cats general have milder symptoms than dogs it is still a serious problem. Some might even argue a more serious problem because cats tend to be less active than dogs to start with, and diseases of the joints such as osteoarthritis reduce their activity level to a point where their overall health may become an issue.

Talking degenerative joint disease in cats?

Bones are connected at the joint. In a cat with degenerative joint disease, the cartilage covering the articulating surface of a joint wears out and the underlying bone develops a coarse surface that damages the joint.

Think of cartilage as the shock absorber that keep bones from rubbing together and cushions impact.

In dogs when the cartilage disappears a sandpaper type of sound may be heard when they are in motion. Since cats are smaller, and typically have shorter strides, degenerative joint disease will not be heard, thus it must be observed.

The most common area impacted are those weight bearing joints which have been severely stress, fractured, or dislocated. Nevertheless, sometimes years of chasing birds, lizards, or battery operated mice around is enough to stop your cat in his/her tracks.

The most common symptoms of degenerative joint disease is stiffness which can turn into lameness if left untreated. This condition may begin around the age of 7 or 8 but not be noticed until much later. Swelling around the damaged joint and muscle deterioration in the vicinity of the affected area are visual cues that pet parents can pick up on.

Also their activity levels may grind to a halt with irritable setting in as the condition, and subsequent pain, worsens.

What can be done?

There is a spirited debate as to whether pain medications and/or corticosteroids are the best way to treat degenerative joint disease in cats. Many veterinarians believe it is a necessary evil while others insist the goal should be first to rebuild the lost cartilage with the help of natural formulas containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in the middle.

The sad truth of the matter is that osteoarthritis in cats is treatable but not curable.

Regardless of the chosen course of treatment there are a number of simple steps that can be taken to improve their quality of life.

Examples would be to provide a warm place for them to sleep and rest. In our house we use a heating pad to accomplish this but keep in mind heating pads will tend to dehydrate your pet. Another tip is to make sure they can get to their favorite places; window sills, couches, and beds.