Arthritis in Cats: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The cartilage has no nerves; however, there are nerves in the bones so when the bones of the joints rub together, this leads to pain, swelling, and loss of movement. Eventually, the bone may lose its shape. Bony spurs (osteophytes) and thickening of the bone may result. Pieces of bone and cartilage may break off causing more pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis can be primary or secondary. Primary osteoarthritis has no known cause, secondary osteoarthritis, the most common form, occurs due to changes in the joint caused by abnormal force or overuse. The most commonly affected areas are the shoulders, elbows, hips and ankle joints. Osteoarthritis can affect one joint or several joints.

Do some cats have a higher risk of developing arthritis?

Cats of any breed can develop osteoarthritis; however, some breeds are more prone to developing osteoarthritis, these include the Maine Coon who have a higher incidence of hip dysplasia and the Scottish Fold due to bone and cartilage abnormalities.

Arthritis is a commonly under-diagnosed condition, and by the time symptoms present, the cat is in a great deal of discomfort.

Causes

• Past injury or trauma to the joint
• Obesity
• Congenital bone or joint problems
• Recurrent damage to the joint
• Misalignment of the joint
  
• Congenital disorders such as hip dysplasia
• Ageing

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteoarthritis are generally progressive, occurring over months or even years. Cats are exceptional at hiding pain and discomfort, so symptoms may be subtle, which is why it is so important for cat owners to be aware of their cat’s habits and behaviours, even subtle changes should warrant investigation.

Diagnosis

Your vet will do a physical exam of your cat and obtain a medical history from you including symptoms such as stiffness upon waking, reduced mobility, reluctance to jump.

Diagnostic workup

• X-ray: Which will reveal changes to the joint and can determine the extent of the damage.
• Synovial fluid collection and analysis: Synovial fluid is a thick fluid that helps to lubricate and cushion the joints. This test involves collecting a sample of synovial fluid with a needle and evaluating it to rule out an infection of the joint.
  

Treatment

Arthritis is an incurable condition, and the goal is to slow down the progression of the disease and relieve pain, but pet carers must be aware that treatment is lifelong. Early diagnosis of osteoarthritis important in helping minimise pain and further damage to the affected joint(s).

Lifestyle changes

• Careful weight loss through controlled feeding or calorie-restricted diets for cats who are overweight to reduce pressure on the joints. Weight loss must be carefully monitored by the cat’s veterinarian.
• Exercise helps by burning calories and increasing strength and flexibility. Schedule low-impact playtime daily and provide opportunities to play throughout the day with interactive cat toys and cat trees.

Environmental modifications

• Provide warmth to the affected area which may include the use of a heating pad where your cat sleeps. Keep the bed in a warm and draft-free spot.
• Place litter trays and food bowls in an easily accessible area and if you live in a multi-level house, keep food and water bowls as well as a litter tray on each level.
• Elevate food and water bowls. 
• Use low-sided litter trays that are easy to climb into and out of.
• Brush the cat’s coat regularly as grooming is often difficult for a cat with arthritis.
• Trim the claws every six weeks; most veterinary practices will do this for free or at a minimal cost if you can not do this at home.
• Add ramps to high up spots your cat likes to frequent, such as window ledges and cat towers.
• Provide comfortable beds with plenty of padding.

Medical management

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Drugs include Metacam (meloxicam) to treat inflammation, relieve pain and increase mobility.

Disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOAD) – These medications can slow down the progression of the disease as well as provide relief from pain and inflammation.

• Zydax is a DMOAD that is administered once a week for four weeks by injection and helps to stimulate cartilage producing cells to produce healthy cartilage, stimulates joint capsule cells to produce lubricating joint fluid, slows cartilage damage, improves blood flow and nutrition to the joints and reduces swelling and inflammation.
  
• Adequan is not labelled for use in cats, but some veterinarians do administer it as an extra-label medication. It works to stimulate the production of new cartilage, restores synovial lubrication and inhibits enzymes responsible for attacking cartilage and synovial fluid.

Nutriceuticals and prescription diets

These are foods or food compounds which have a medical benefit. The FDA does not regulate nutraceuticals. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your cat these products.

• Glucosamine – Glucosamine is an amino sugar synthesised from glucose that is used in the biosynthesis of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, which are the building blocks of cartilage. Glucosamine supplements can help to slow the breakdown of cartilage and help damaged cartilage to heal.
• Chondroitin sulfate – A naturally occurring molecule and vital part of cartilage that is believed may stop cartilage degrading along with drawing water to the joint.
• Omega 3 fatty acids – Natural anti-inflammatory supplements which can be added to food.
• Turmeric curcumin – A flowering root plant native to Asia that is commonly used as a spice. The active ingredient, curcumin has been shown to possess a number of health benefits including reducing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. 
• Hills j/d – A prescription cat food that soothes painful joints and helps to preserve healthy cartilage with results in as little as 28 days
• Joint Guard – A natural powdered nutritional support that contains glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, Vitamin C and other ingredients to support and maintain healthy joints. 

Surgery

In cases where medical management is no longer effective, surgery may be necessary.

• Arthrodesis – A surgical procedure to fuse joint surfaces to prevent movement and associated pain within the joint. The surgeon makes incisions around the joint and removes all cartilage so that the bones are touching. The joint is stabilised with metal hardware which allowed the bones to fuse together, creating an immovable joint.  
• Reconstructive procedures to treat cats with joint instability and anatomic defects.

Alternative therapies

• Acupuncture – A traditional Chinese medicine that uses fine needles at specific points along energy pathways to reduce inflammation and stimulate the release of pain-relieving endorphins. 
• Cold laser therapy – This new FDA approved treatment which uses an infrared laser to heal, regenerate, and protect tissue that has been injured, is degenerating, or else is at risk of dying.

Prevention

Keep a close eye on your cat’s weight, the more weight he puts on, the greater the stress on the joints.