Arthritis

[Babyboonie]

Hi all

Thank you for your suggestions and well wishes, it is appreciated.

Louie is currently taking an arthritis medication that is normally used for dogs - he started this in December 2006. Apparantly it has only recently been recognised that cats suffer from arthritis and that it can be quite painful for them, so they are currently researching different drugs that are suitable. The drug that Louie is taking is being administered in very very small doses and he has to have regular blood tests and checks on his liver function etc. Thankfully, so far, everything is working fine, but I am concerned about it's long term use considering he is still quite a young cat compared to some - a question for the vet I feel.

Fingers crossed the x-rays will show that it is "just" arthritis and nothing to major concerning his spine. I will of course let you know how he gets on.

Speak soon

[Medusa]

Hopefully this new med will help him w/no bad side effects long term. I've had dogs w/arthritis and I gave them Ascriptin and it worked wonders but, of course, you can't do that w/cats.

[Babyboonie]

Well Louie had his xrays today and unfortunately they weren't as clear as the vet was hoping. Her original thought of the discs being the cause of the pain is sadly closer to being true as general arthritis should have shown on the xrays.....but it didn't.

My poor little man (who is still a bit "stoned" from the sedation!) is now facing an MRI scan which will show the spine in more detail. It's not going to be nice for him as they have to inject a dye into the spinal cord so that everything (discs, spinal cord etc) can be clearly seen. We are not sure when this is going to be at the moment as we need to get the relevant claim forms from our pet insurers (thank heavens for pet insurance!), but I'll keep you updated.

Thank you for your well wishes and advice...anything else would be gratefully received!

[Freedom]

Oh Louie, I do hope you are comfortable. Your mom is doing everything she can to help you feel better, fella!

Let us know as things progress!

[TopCat3]

Well, I know this probably isn't about arthritis any more, but for those just joining the thread and looking for info on arthritis I can say that Green Lipped Mussel extract (from a New Zealand mussel) is brilliant both for people and for cats.I've got one that is powder in capsules my vet said to give to my 18 y.o, Cleo to assist with possible stiffness - 1/2 capsule a day. I empty the cap and I mix it in with a liquid potassium supplement she has to have, to get it down her.

I know when I was taking it when I had arthritis in my finger joints it was great. (From the feel of my hands sometimes I should be taking it too... )

Of course I wouldn't know if you can get it in America but I'm sure you'd be able to over the internet - if anyone wants a link PM me & I'll see what I can do.

Cheers
The TopCats

[Catlady711]

Louie is currently taking an arthritis medication that is normally used for dogs - he started this in December 2006. Apparantly it has only recently been recognised that cats suffer from arthritis and that it can be quite painful for them, so they are currently researching different drugs that are suitable. The drug that Louie is taking is being administered in very very small doses and he has to have regular blood tests and checks on his liver function etc.

What is the medication that Louie is on? Is it Metacam liquid? I've heard that many vets do use that in cats in very small doses, although as I recall it's the kindeys they usually worry about with that one.

I'm dealing with arthritis in my oldest cat Dusty (16 1/2), we started out with Metacam injections and are now trying Tramadol. She's been on Cosaquin (glucosamine/chondriton) for several years now.

[Babyboonie]

What is the medication that Louie is on? Is it Metacam liquid? I've heard that many vets do use that in cats in very small doses, although as I recall it's the kindeys they usually worry about with that one.

I'm dealing with arthritis in my oldest cat Dusty (16 1/2), we started out with Metacam injections and are now trying Tramadol. She's been on Cosaquin (glucosamine/chondriton) for several years now.

Your right - it is Metacam liquid that we are currently giving Louie and we have been told that kidney fuction needs to be monitored closely. They are also keeping checks on his liver function - although from research I did on the internet, I haven't heard of liver problems with Metacam.

He is on a really small dose at the moment - one drop a day with food, which "touch wood" seems to be working. We've had some quite cold weather in the UK in the last couple of weeks and normally Louie would suffer from stiffness, but he seems to be moving about reasonably well. Which I am taking as a postive sign that it is "just" arthritis and not anything too serious.

Louie does seem in quite good spirits at the moment especially as our youngest cat Tigger (the ginger & white) is constantly trying to get his and our attention with his silly antics!

Sorry to hear about Dusty - was she diagnosed with Arthritis at a young age?