Arthritis Resource-Cats - Northland Veterinary Services

ARTHRITIS RESOURCE SHEET

Feline Specific

Arthritis is a general term that simply means joint inflammation. It's a common problem for both dogs and cats. Arthritis is one of the most common sources of chronic pain treated by veterinarians. Often resulting from elbow or hip dysplasia, this painful joint disease can also be a result of the normal aging process, or due to accident and injury.

Nutritional Supplements: Can all be used safely in any combination because they are not considered a drug, there is no FDA monitoring of active ingredient quality. Therefore we recommend using the products we carry here that have a guaranteed analysis or the more expensive name brands for the first 8 weeks to better help evaluate effectiveness. Start with one and usually add one at a time every 6 weeks to see how effective they are.

Duralactin®: Non-prescription Milk Protein Concentrate

Duralactin aids in the management of general inflammation and works very early in the inflammatory process

No known side effects after 20 years of studies.

Cosequin®: Non-prescription Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplement for cats.

The ingredients in this product are designed to maintain and support the structure of the cartilage in the joints while inhibiting the enzymes that break down healthy cartilage.

Dasuquin® Soft Chews for Cats: (carried here at Northland Veterinary Services)Non-prescription Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplement for cats

The ingredients in this product are designed to maintain and support the structure of the cartilage in the joints while inhibiting the enzymes that break down healthy cartilage.

PhyCox-JS™ (carried here at Northland Veterinary Services) helps to reduce the inflammation and provide joint support. The essential ingredients including glucosamine, turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, amino acids, minerals and blue-green algae extract form a joint support matrix that act as a proven Cox-2 inhibitor. This produces a similar effect as NSAID treatment without the harmful side-effects of long term NSAID use. Although the product we carry is labeled for canine use, it can safely be used in feline patients at the following dosage:

Cats under 10lbs: 1/2 soft chew daily for initial loading dose (4-6 weeks)
1/4 soft chew daily for maintenance (or 1/2 every other day)
Cats over 10lbs: 1 soft chew daily for initial loading dose (4-6 weeks)
1/2 soft chew daily for maintenance

Solensia®:

A once monthly injection to help relieve pain from osteoarthritis in cats. Solensia works like your cat’s naturally made antibodies to reduce pain signals. Results can be seen as early as 14 days from receiving the injection!

NSAID: (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs)

e.g. Metacam®

YOUR PET SHOULD USE ONLY ONE NSAID TYPE AT ANY TIME.

*Do NOT give Tylenol (acetaminophen), Aspirin or Ibuprofen to your feline pet. They can be highly toxic!

Metacam®: Prescription

Metacam is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug. metacam helps to manage the pain of arthritis as well as reduce the swelling/inflammation of the joints.

Side Effects: Rare possibility of kidney and liver failure. Annual bloodwork is required with a pet on Metacam.

Prescription Diets:

Science Diet j/d is available in both canned and dry formulas. Prescription diet j/d offers the right balance of advanced nutrition to manage cats with arthritis