The feline species is known for being somewhat secretive. Just because cats don’t complain doesn’t mean that they don’t hurt. Parkside Animal Hospital is proud to advocate for pain management for cats and is excited to have some new options to help.

Detecting Cat Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that involves changes within one or multiple joints. Over time (or with injury), the bones and soft tissues that make up a joint can become damaged and inflamed. This results in restriction of movement and, often, some pretty miserable pain.

Cats are masters of hiding problems, but we are getting better everyday at detecting things like cat arthritis. 

Some signs that your cat might be affected by arthritis include:

• Difficulty when jumping up
• Hesitant to jump down
• Having a hard time navigating stairs
• Being less interested in chasing objects
• Bunny hopping gait
• Changes in grooming or social behaviors

If you think that your cat may be exhibiting signs of arthritis, or other causes for cat joint pain, don’t hesitate to contact us. While cat arthritis is not curable, we can definitely help to keep your pet more comfortable and improve overall function. 

Options for Pain Management for Cats

When it comes to helping cats, our team is standing at the ready. When we have a diagnosis of cat arthritis, treatment options may include one or more of the following:

• Weight management: Carrying extra body weight puts unneeded stress on already compromised joints. Helping your cat maintain a healthy body weight can minimize the effects of arthritis. 
• Nutrition and nutraceuticals: Prescription veterinary joint diets and supplements—including glucosamine and chondroitin can be helpful for joint support. Injections of some joint supportive compounds like Adequan can also offer some relief. 
• Oral medications for pain management: True pain medications or, in some cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, may be options for some of our kitties in pain. 
• Solensia for cats: A newer option on the market, the monoclonal antibody is a once-a-month injection that targets nerve growth factor. This technology promises to be a game changer for many of our patients. 
• Adjunctive treatments: Some cats may benefit from therapies such as therapeutic laser, pulse electromagnetic field therapy, or acupuncture.

If you think your cat may be in pain, or if you suspect joint problems, don’t hesitate to make an appointment to see our feline friendly staff. We are here to help your pet live a long and pain-free life.