The Top Ender Magazine June July 2023 Edition

ARTHRITIS IN
DOGS AND CATS
Osteoarthritis is common in dogs and cats,
especially as they get older. Chronic pain
from osteoarthritis can affect a pet’s
quality of life, both physically and
emotionally. There are multiple treatment
options available, including a new injectable
treatment. The first step is recognising
possible signs and realising that they are
not just a normal part of ageing.
Cats are good at hiding pain - signs of pain and
arthritis can sometimes be difficult to recognise in
cats but if your cat is dealing with osteoarthritis
pain, you have probably noticed some changes to
their everyday behaviour. If you are observing any of
the following signs, it is worth having a visit with your
vet:
• Difficulty jumping up or down (or jumping less)
• Difficulty going up or down stairs
pets will benefit greatly from this treatment, and it is
considered a safe treatment option. It is given as an
injection under the skin once a month and can be used
in combination with most other medications and if
concurrent medical problems (such as kidney disease)
exist.
Another injectable treatment for arthritis (pentosan/
cartrophen) has been available for many years. It helps
to maintain joint health by making the cartilage more
resistant to degradation. It is given as a series of
injections (initially weekly) and is generally well tolerated.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can be
given orally to help control the pain and inflammation of
osteoarthritis. In most animals, improvement can be seen
in a matter of days. While serious side effects are rare,
they can occur, so it is important to follow your vet’s
advice closely. NSAIDs usually need to be avoided in
animals with kidney disease, so blood tests are
recommended to monitor kidneys and liver while on
treatment.
• Difficulty running
• Difficulty chasing moving objects
• Being less playful, personality changes
• Grooming less
• Having accidents outside the litter tray
In dogs, look out for the following symptoms:
• Limping after exercise
• Lagging behind on walks
• Being slow to rise
• Difficulty jumping
• Appearing stiff
• Difficulty going up or down stairs
While arthritis can’t be cured, there are many
treatment options that can help manage the pain of
osteoarthritis.
For both cats and dogs, there is a new treatment
available for osteoarthritis. It is a monoclonal
antibody that neutralises nerve growth factor (NGF),
which is involved in the perception of pain. Some
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