Stemcellsafari: How Long Can A Cat Live With Arthritis At League City, TX
Arthritis in cats causes their joints to be inflamed as the bones in the joints rub against each other instead of gliding past each other. It usually comes with some pain and it makes moving around difficult and uncomfortable for the cat.
Although there is no cure for pet arthritis, the pet owner can take plenty of steps to help the pet feel more comfortable. Proper and effective treatment for arthritis in cats can make a huge difference to the quality of life of your cat. Do not hesitate to call your vet doctor if you are suspicious that they are experiencing pain in their joints.
Arthritis in cats symptoms
The signs of arthritis in cats include but is not limited to the following: prominent shoulder blades caused by muscle wastage around the shoulders, limping, unkempt fur along the back and bottom of the cat due to the reduced flexibility caused by pain in the affected joints, more sleep than usual, difficulty jumping or using the stairs, inflamed or hot joints and grumpiness.
Signs of arthritis can be hard to spot as they come on gradually so regular check-ups might be key to early detection and treatment.
Treatment for arthritis in cats
Your vet will decide on the best treatment for your cat after examining them closely and running some tests. It is highly likely that they recommend arthritis medicine for cats such as:
Anti-inflammatory pain medication
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the pain and inflammation in the affected joints of the cats. Never give your cat human medication as it can be toxic to cats and have disastrous consequences.
Joint supplements
Vet doctors are also likely to recommend joint supplements such as omega 3 alongside other medicines to try and help slow down the progression of arthritis.
Additional therapies
Acupuncture can sometimes be used to help with signs of arthritis. Hydrotherapy can also be considered for cats that love water.
Surgery
For severe cases of arthritis, surgery might be considered. These surgeries are usually only available at specialist veterinary hospitals such as Safari veterinary care center.
Stem cell therapy
Stem cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat injuries. The stem cell possesses regenerative properties and is usually injected into the affected or injured site. Upon injection into the body, the stem cells speed up the healing of bones, joints, muscles, or cartilages that may have been damaged by arthritis or injury.
What are some of the things that stem cell therapy can be used to treat?
Stem cell therapy can be used in the treatment of osteoarthritis in pets, repairing ligament, bone, and spinal cord injuries, in the treatment of kidney and liver disease, cardiomyopathies, and some inflammatory diseases of the gut and skin.
How long can a cat live with arthritis?
There is no cure for arthritis therefore your cat’s arthritis will continue to progress over time. However, with adequate management, most cats will have a good quality of life.