Researchers Reveal Degenerative Joint Disease May Be Prevalent in Cats

(Newswire.net — May 29, 2017) Orlando, FL — Arthritic conditions are common diseases that affect humans and animals. While arthritis is most frequently linked with dogs, it also affects cats.

Researchers reveal that degenerative joint disease may be prevalent in cats. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in humans.

Older dogs are more prone to osteoarthritis. Animal sufferers are usually treated with medications to ease pain. However, arthritis in cats is not often diagnosed. One of the reasons why cats are not diagnosed or treated is due to their survival instinct in hiding signs of pain.

Diagnosing arthritis in cats can be challenging, and this is why it can be difficult to know how many cats are affected. Recent studies tried to look at the radiographs of older cats.

In 2002, a study revealed that 90% of cats more than 12 years old had degenerative joint disease. According to the study, it included cats with spondylosis of the spine.

In more recent studies, it has been found that arthritis in the limb joints impacted between 60-90% of cats. All of these studies suggest that arthritis may be highly common in cats.

Arthritis has also been found to be more common and severe in older cats. The joints most commonly affected are the hips, shoulders, knees, ankles, and elbows.

Osteoarthritis is considered as a complicated type of arthritis. It is characterized by the breakdown of the joint cartilage. When it wears away, it results in inflammation, ongoing damage, discomfort, and secondary changes around the joint.

It has not been known what causes arthritis in cats. There are, however, certain factors believed to increase the risk of arthritis in cats. These factors are genetics, hip dysplasia, dislocation of the knee cap, obesity, and Scottish folds.

There are symptoms of arthritis in cats. One important thing to remember is that cats are experts in hiding their discomfort and pain. Cats often restrict their movement such as when it involves sore joints.

While cats do not usually show some signs of arthritis as obviously as dogs and other animals, they may show some overt signs of pain or limping.

Medications formulated to fight pain and inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often administered to humans and dogs with arthritis.

Since these medications may lead to side effects, there are safer alternative options such as glucosamine supplements. Glucosamine may offer the potential to fight pain and inflammation.

It is also best known for its potential to help repair cartilage damage and may even help to improve overall joint health.

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