How Long Can a Cat Live With Arthritis

Living with a senior true cat has rewards equally well as challenges that are a bit different than those encountered when living with a younger cat. Pain is, of course, something we don't want to come across in any of our pets. However, senior cats are more than probable to develop conditions and illnesses that create pain and discomfort.

Arthritis is a mutual but ofttimes unrecognized disorder in older cats. In one study, ninety percent of cats over 12 years of age showed radiographic (X-ray) evidence of arthritis.

Unfortunately, recognizing arthritis in cats is challenging at best. Many of our cats hide their hurting very effectively. While we may sometimes encounter our older cat limping or favoring ane leg or another, generally our arthritic cats merely get less active. They spend more than time sleeping and resting. They may exist reluctant to jump onto surfaces that were easily attainable previously.

In fact, many of us fault these symptoms of arthritis for normal crumbling. Likewise frequently, we simply assume that it'southward normal for an older true cat to slumber more and be less active without e'er wondering whether pain may be playing a part. We may fifty-fifty presume that our arthritic cat is learning manners or displaying improve behavior because he no longer jumps onto the countertops.

What should nosotros do about this? Firstly and nearly chiefly, if in incertitude virtually whether your true cat is hurting, assume that he is and take appropriate measures.

• Joint supplements containing glucosamine and/or chondroitin can help some cats.
• Omega-iii fat acids tin can help relieve pain from arthritis and other causes.
• Adequan is an injectable production that can be used to aid save arthritis pain and is effective for many cats.
• Other medications are available to assistance relieve your cat'southward hurting equally well, and may be necessary if the previous products are ineffective or do not sufficiently relieve your cat's pain. These include tramadol, gabapentin, Fentanyl, and others. Your veterinarian will help you determine which medication is best suited for your cat.
• For some cats, alternative therapies such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and fifty-fifty massage can assist ease the hurting of arthritis.
• Weight loss, if appropriate, can assist salvage stress and pressure level on sensitive joints and help make arthritic cats more comfy. Consult your veterinarian to institute a safe and effective weight loss plan for your overweight arthritic cat.
• Exercise tin as well go on joints and muscles supple. Exercise can also exist effective in burning calories and helping with weight loss where necessary.
• Provide your cat with soft bedding in the form of a pet bed or blanket on which to slumber and/or residual.
• Make sure your cat'south litter box is in an easily accessible location and is easy for your cat to enter and get out. Practise non place your cat'southward simply litter box in a basement or cranium far from where your cat spends nearly of his time. Consider using a litter box with low sides for easy access.

Though arthritis is not a curable condition, the hurting information technology causes can be controlled. However, the first stride is recognizing that it exists. Practice you accept a senior cat that could be suffering from arthritis?

Dr. Lorie Huston

Source:

Hardie EM, Roe SC, Martin FR. Radiographic evidence of degenerative joint illness in geriatric cats: 100 cases (1994-1997). J Am Vet Med Assoc2002;220:628-632.

Epitome: Polianskyi Igor / via Shutterstock

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Source: https://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/lhuston/2012/oct/living_with_an_arthritic_senior_cat-27615

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