With better preventative care and nutrition, most cats are now living past their late teens. In recent studies, a cat older than 12 years has a 89% chance that he/she has arthritis. What is arthritis in cats? Arthritis in cats is the progressive deterioration of joint (articular) cartilage. One or more joints can be afflicted with the condition. Another term commonly used to describe this condition is degenerative joint disease. When the term osteoarthritis is used, it usually refers to an extension of the changes into the bone underlying the cartilage layer.

What causes arthritis in cats?
In cats, arthritis can be a primary condition due to chronic use and aging, or secondary due to unstable joints (luxated patellas, hip dysplasia), bone or cartilage defects or fractures. This secondary form is more commonly diagnosed in cats, although the cat's ability to hide pain may lead to under diagnoses of aging changes.

What are signs of arthritis in cats?
Changes in joint mobility (range of motion) can often be detected on a physical exam. At home, lameness and/or stiffness are hallmark signs. Cat's often exhibit a lameness/stiffness that improves after walking a bit. Often owners feel the cat "warms out of it" after the first few steps.

How is arthritis in cats diagnosed?
A good physical exam can reveal many joint problems, however, radiographs (x-rays) are generally required to confirm the presence of arthritis and to identify any underlying causes for the condition. Occasionally, analysis of the joint fluid to determine the type(s) and number of cells can also be helpful in classifying the type of arthritis. Occasionally bacterial cultures of the joint fluid and joint capsule biopsies are indicated.

How is arthritis in cats treated?
Several drugs are available to cats that control inflammation associated with pain and help support joint health. In some instances, surgical options are available. The treatment method chosen depends upon the underlying cause of the arthritis and the joint(s) affected.

Medication considerations for arthritis in cats

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These agents work by inhibiting prostaglandins (mediators of pain and inflammation).
• Cartilage Protective Agents: These agents are thought to work by inhibiting various destructive enzymes and prostaglandins found in arthritic joints. These drugs may also help by increasing the production of normal compounds within the joint such as proteoglycan, hyaluronate, and collagen. These compounds act as lubricants and protectants/strengtheners for the cartilage surface.
• Corticosteroids: The "steroids" are sometimes used for treatment of inflammation in certain types of arthritis.
• Glucosamine/Chondroitin Sulfate: Treatment that is able to aid in the rehabilitation of cartilage and restore health to damaged joints.

• Arthrotomy or arthroscopy is often used to treat underlying causes of arthritis such as shoulder osteochondritis dissicans or elbow dysplasia.
• Reconstructive procedures are used to eliminate joint instability or correct anatomic defects.
• Arthroplasty procedures are commonly performed for arthritis of the hip joint. Removal of the femoral head and neck is performed to relieve painful contacts.
• Arthrodesis or permanently "freezing" a joint is used in some cases of chronic, severe arthritis and joint instability. Arthrodesis of the wrist joint generally yields excellent results, while arthrodesis of the shoulder, elbow, knee or ankle provides less predictable results.

What is the prognosis for cats with arthritis?
The prognosis varies with the underlying cause of the arthritis, and the specific joint(s) affected. In most situations, slow progression of arthritis is expected. In many instances, medical and surgical treatments can dramatically improve the function of the affected joint(s) and the animal's quality of life.