Description
Osteoarthritis is being recognised with increasing frequency in cats in Britain, Europe and the US; all areas where cats are often living into their old age. However, affected cats rarely limp or cry out. Instead they show often subtle behavioural and lifestyle changes (e.g. reluctance to jump up) that owners and veterinarians may mistake for ‘old age’. Underestimating the importance of osteoarthritis means missing the chance to make affected cats more comfortable at this precious time in their lives. Using clinical cases this talk will discuss the importance of this often missed disorder, and how it can affect cats’ lives negatively. We will discuss the importance of looking for osteoarthritis as part of a discussion on the need for tailored geriatric health care. For the optimum management of elderly cats, it is necessary to undertake an in-depth diagnostic investigation to find all interacting conditions that need to be addressed concurrently. It is then possible to devise a treatment plan for each particular cat and its particular problems and personality. Successful management of cats with osteoarthritis can have very positive effects on their overall quality of life, and on their relationship with the rest of their household. Management often entails environmental modification (to ensure the cat has easy access to all key resources), specialist veterinary diets or supplements (e.g. anti-oxidants and mitochondrial co-factors, etc.) and drug therapies (such as gabapentin and even NSAIDs, plus others). Discussion will not cover surgical or stem cell interventions, other than mentioning them for completeness