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Osteoarthritis in Cats
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Introduction
Arthritis is a general term used to refer to inflammation of the joints from any cause. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a form of chronic joint inflammation specifically caused by progressive and permanent deterioration of joint cartilage, and is a term often used interchangeably with degenerative joint disease (DJD). The reference to OA as a “non- inflammatory” arthritis stems from the rationale that inflammation is not a key feature of OA. However, the inflammatory component of OA is present and should not be ignored, since many of the components of a management program for treating the disease focus on modulating the associated inflammation. Because the propagation of the inflammatory vs. non-inflammatory terminology can be confusing it is best avoided; Figure 1 sets out a classification.
Primary OA is an idiopathic disease that occurs without an identifiable initiating factor and currently represents most of the feline cases (1). With secondary OA, an underlying cause such as a joint malformation or evidence of trauma involving the joint is apparent; one example that has been described in cats is hip dysplasia (2). This paper will focus on osteoarthritis of both primary and secondary etiologies, as the clinical features and approach to management are similar.
Key Points
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Historical findings based on careful owner interview provide the most useful information to establish a diagnosis of clinically relevant osteoarthritis.
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Physical exam findings commonly seen in other species, such as lameness and joint crepitus, may not be key features in arthritic cats.
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There are few medications licensed for long-term use in cats with osteoarthritis, but various drugs can be used to treat the condition.
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A multimodal approach to management of osteoarthritis in cats provides best results and can consist of medication, diet and supplements, environmental enhancement, and physiotherapy.
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