![]() Feline elbow radiograph showing mild degenerative joint disease (DJD) apparent on the cranial caudal view. Signs of osteoarthritis in cats and other animals-such as canines-can include reduced range of motion and pain in one or more affected joints, as well as detectable crepitus during manipulation. Orthopedic examination, where the joints and long bone are physically palpated and manipulated, is the most easily accessible tool available to veterinarians. The method of using force plate gait analysis suffers similarly from atypical feline behavior in a veterinary practice setting and is not a commonly available piece of equipment. In these cases, the veterinarian does not have a chance to appreciate subtle gait changes that would be apparent in a different setting. However, in a clinical setting, cats often freeze and cannot be induced to move-or will not ambulate normally. One diagnostic method is to observe the animal moving independently to determine if there are obvious changes in its stride. Unfortunately, cats are not amenable to complete orthopedic exams in the veterinary office. As a result, diagnostic investigation based on owner observations are frequently delayed until the disease has progressed to a significant degree.Īs owners generally do not recognize signs of osteoarthritis in cats, it is incumbent upon the veterinarian to diagnose its presence based on other forms of evidence. Since cats tend to not show obvious signs of pain or discomfort, it is often overlooked by owners who do not appreciate the subtle changes in behavior that accompany the initial onset of feline osteoarthritis. ![]() Unfortunately, it also presents challenges diagnostically. It is presumed this prevents the hunter from becoming the hunted. From an evolutionary standpoint, it does not seem that social cueing to demonstrate pain has evolved in cats and they have likely adapted to conceal pain except in extreme circumstances. It is generally presumed this impacts how they manifest pain and discomfort from conditions like osteoarthritis. Subtleties that delay diagnosisĬats are solitary hunters. After owner observations and a physical exam, digital radiography can provide an accurate and definitive diagnosis of feline osteoarthritis. Yet, due to subtle cat behaviors that often do not signal owners to feline distress, along with diagnostic challenges with physical exams in the veterinary practice setting, diagnostic investigation of feline osteoarthritis is often delayed. This allows for interventions that help maintain mobility and muscle mass. Given the range of impacts from a quality-of-life standpoint, it is best when there is recognition of osteoarthritis early in the disease process. In more serious presentations, osteoarthritis may cause weight loss due to decreased food intake, irritation, or even aggression with other patients. All of these symptoms are likely due to pain experienced when jumping and performing normal movement behaviors. Affected cats will frequently experience a decrease in grooming behavior, socialization, and litterbox use. These deficits can also impact both a cat’s ability to interact and socialize with family members, as well as feeling comfortable during day-to-day activities. This leads to a decrease in a cat’s ability to reach resources such as food, water, and litterbox. Reduction in articular cartilage, formation of osteophytes and periarticular fibrosis are associated with pain as joints progressively degenerate over time, resulting in decreased mobility. Feline osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease common in middle age to older feline patients and can have significant impacts on a cat’s quality of life.
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