Arthritis is inflammation of the joints that is usually accompanied by pain. The most common form of arthritis in dogs and cats is Osteoarthritis (OA), which is the wear and tear of joints. Osteoarthritis develops as a result to an aging pet.  Feline and canine arthritis can also be caused by Septic arthritis or bacterial arthritis, which is inflammation of a joint due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can lead to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, which means the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Another form of arthritis is called Gout Arthritis, which causes sudden and severe attacks of pain, tenderness, and swelling. 

What Causes Arthritis in Cats and Dogs?

 

Although we frequently associate arthritis as a disease that affects older animals, arthritis can affect dogs and cats of any age.  Arthritis is a common disease in older pets, but young and middle age pets can be affected too. Early detection could be the difference in your pet’s quality of life. Many cases go undiagnosed because owners attribute the subtle changes in their pet to be signs of old age that cause the pet to slow down. For this reason, it is important to take careful note of any potential arthritic symptoms that appear in puppies, kittens, cats and dogs.  

  

Feline Arthritis Risk Factors:                                                       

-Feline arthritis is more common in middle aged and older cats.

-Joints that have been injured in the past are more prone to becoming arthritic later.

 

-Cats that are obese are more likely to be affected by arthritis than cats that are lean.

 

-Hip dysplasia is and congenital abnormalities can lead to arthritis.

 
Canine Arthritis Risk Factors:
                                                 

-Up to 70% of dogs in specific breeds which include Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and German shepherds will be affected by canine arthritis.

 

-Developmental disorders, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and degenerative joint disease.

 

-Joint conditions such as canine hip dysplasia, the leading cause of lameness in dogs, can increase a dog's risk of developing osteoarthritis because it puts excessive stress on the animal's joints.

 

-Dietary and hormonal disease, such as hyperparathyroidism or obesity.

 

-High-activity and working dogs that participate in demanding activities put repeated stress on their joints. 

 Arthritis Treatment for Cats

Your veterinarian may prescribe medication such as Meloxicam or Dexamethasone.

 Meloxicam, sold under the brand name Metacam, is a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug known as an NSAID.  Meloxicam  is the only type of FDA-approved NSAID available for use in cats. It is used to treat inflammation and reduce pain associated with acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis and arthritis in dogs.

Dexamethasone is many times more potent than other anti-inflammatory and immune suppressing drugs including hydrocortisone and prednisone. As a form of corticosteroid for veterinary use, Dexamethasone is effective in the management of certain inflammatory diseases due to variety of conditions.  It is often mixed with other drugs to treat difficult ear, eye, and skin infections. It reaches every system in the body and therefore is used to treat many disorders.

Your veterinarian may also suggest supplements for joint care.  Duralactin Liquid or Duralcatin Feline are derived from milk and can help your companion animal live a comfortable and active life. Duralactin is an ideal therapeutic option for the management of chronic inflammation where neutrophils are known to participate.

Arthritis Prevention for Cats

Glyco-Flex I for Cats is made from pure freeze-dried Perna canaliculus. This is excellent for the maintenance of joint and connective tissue health.  Perna provides factors for rebuilding and protecting joints in cats and is especially beneficial to those pets predisposed to hip and joint dysfunction.

Cosequin for Cats is very beneficial when added to your cat’s food. Natural chicken and tuna flavored sprinkle capsules for cats containing Chondroitin sulfate, Glucosamine hydrochloride and manganese ascorbate.

Dasuquin joint supplements for cats are a tasty chewable tablet with a proprietary combination of natural glucosamine and ingredients that have been shown to prevent cartilage breakdown, protects existing cartilage and stimulates cartilage production.

Restor-A-Flex helps maintain optimal joint health in dogs and cats by providing the raw material involved in the synthesis of synovial fluid and the connective tissue matrix of skeletal joints. It’s a favorite among pet owners because it is free of potential allergens such as corn, yeast, wheat and dairy products and is formulated without the use of preservatives.