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How To Help Your Cat With
Arthritis by Jean Morgan
Cats can suffer from arthritis just as we humans do, and it mostly affects
older cats. There might not be any cure (depending on the type of
arthritis), but there are always treatments. Most cats are naturally
exceptionally nimble and athletic animals, but as you might expect their
joints, ligaments and bones are susceptible to accidental damage, and to
the wear and tear of everyday life. On the other hand, giving thanks to
their buoyancy, sense of balance, ability to land on their feet and
built-in shock absorbers - their forelegs are not connected by bone to the
rest of their skeleton, cats do not suffer from as many orthopaedic
troubles as they might if they didn’t have all of these great qualities.
Arthritis conditions in cats take place most generally as an end result of
accidents.
Cats can suffer from different kinds of arthritis, which plainly means
joint inflammation. However, arthritis is much more compound than a simple
inflammation, so this plain name is relatively confusing. For example,
check out the wide range of signs of arthritis in cats:
• Stiffness
• Limping
• Favoring One Limb (especially after resting)
• Not Wanting to Climb Stairs or Jump
• Noticeable Pain
• Different Gait than Usual
• Nervousness
• Aggression
• Depression
If you notice more than one of these symptoms in your cat, you should make
an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Usually, as the
owner, you notice these things right away and know that something isn’t
quite right.
Causes
Many things can cause arthritis in cats. Main reasons are old age, trauma,
infections, immune system disorders and even developmental disorders.
Cats most commonly suffer the following two forms of arthritis. One is
traumatic Arthritis and this may be caused by a sudden injury to a joint,
such as following a vehicle accident, the consequence of a fight or play
with another cat or animal, or because of an awkward fall.
The second is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is well thought-out by
professionals to be the end result of a joint failure that can occur for
nearly any reason. Cats’ shoulder and elbow joints are those most
regularly pretentious in older cats. Common causes are repeated episodes
of traumatic arthritis, and also joint dislocation or fractures involving
joints that occurred in the past and made the joints more vulnerable to
disproportionate wear and tear.
What to Expect During Your Trip to the Vet
Your vet will conduct a regular examination, and comments from you on your
cat’s problems. Your vet might take some tests to rule out anything else
such as blood tests, radiographs, ultrasound, etc.
Treatments
If your cat is diagnosed with arthritis, there are many treatments
available. Some you can do at home such as gentle massage, weight control,
exercise, and warmth. Some medications may be prescribed for your cat such
as Glucosamine and Chondroitin, Corticosteroids, Vitamin C, and/or NSAIDs
(Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs).
There are numerous different kinds of joint diseases that your cat could
have, too. These include:
Feline progressive polyarthritis (which affects more than one joint)
Dysplasia
Bacterial Arthritis
Oseoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Luxating Patella
Hip Dysplasia
Intervertabral Disc Disease
Hyperparathyroidism
Although most forms of arthritis has no cure to rid your feline of the
disease, there are plenty of treatments available. Your cat can live out
the rest of his or her life with less pain, more activity, and just being
generally happier!
Although most forms of arthritis has no cure to rid your feline of the
disease, there are plenty of treatments available. Your cat can live out
the rest of his or her life with less pain, more activity, and just being
generally happier!
For more information on pet health visit Natures Healthy Pet
Article Source: http://www.animalpetsandfriends.com
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