Gee, the geriatric ward is busy these days! I've noticed that Tubby's been limping since we got home also. I don't know how they diagnose arthritis, but I'll tell you Tubby's whole life story if you want to hear. Anyway, the last time I took him in for his 6 month checkup, I asked the vet about arthritis because he's like Max in that sometimes when he gets up, he seems sort of stiff and clumsy. After he's up and about for awhile, the stiffness seems to dissappear. So I asked her and the only thing she did was feel his spine - which does feel much more boney these days. I never used to be able to feel the individual vertabrae, but now I can. She felt his spine and then told me about Cosequin. There is a version called Feline Cosequin or Cosequin for Cats. From what I understand, this is very similar to something that humans take for arthritis and it works. I think MOFF takes the human form and she said it makes a difference. I've noticed a difference in Tubby since he's been taking it, but I might have to up his dosage. From what I understand, it helps bring fluid to the joints to help soften up the....."stuff".....that is between the joints that tends to dry out and get brittle as we get older. Sorry, don't remember the technical term for "stuff."

From the vet, the Cosequin was a bit expensive, so I started ordering it online from here. I got the 5 pack so it would last a bit longer and to save on shipping costs. Right now I give Tubby one capsule a day sprinkled over his wet food treat in the morning. He has another 6 month checkup this Saturday, so I'm going to ask about upping his dosage. I don't want to put anymore of a strain on his kidneys than I have to, but I don't want him to be all stiff and sore either.

I know there are others here who use it. I believe Catsnclay is one of them. You could maybe do a search for Cosequin and find more info on it. Also, be sure you get the Cat version. I'm sure they have adjusted the dosages because they have dog and horse versions also. A horse version might not be the best thing for little Max.

So, I hope this helps. If you have anymore questions, you know you can ask anytime and I'll be glad to help. Please let us know what the vet says and if they do, in fact, take an x-ray. They've never x-rayed Tubby, just felt his spine.

Oh, and one last thing. The Cosequin is a "natural" remedy type of thing so it's not like antibiotics where you immediately see that it's working. It's a gradual improvement over time, but I did see an improvement in Tubby, and if I'm right about Catsnclay, she saw an improvement also - enough to where her kitty was back to jumping on the counters.

Good luck at the vet and give poor Max an hug and smooch from me - and of course Speckles too.