Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: catloverxo on February 28, 2012, 14:56:30 PM

Title: Anyone's cat have osteoarthritis?
Post by: catloverxo on February 28, 2012, 14:56:30 PM
Harvey (aka lettuce, my absolute baby!) has always had problems with his back legs (he is 7 next week!) but recently they got much worse so we took him to the vets. Had blood tests, all fine. They paid for xrays and it came back that he had osteoarthritis and the right side of his spine has come away a bit? So he is on metacam (once a day) but his legs really are so bad, the muscle is wasting away. He has never gone out loads but he is just sitting way more then he used to. The vet said he isn't in too much pain but how do I know this? I mean he still purrs a lot and is affectionate but its so horrible to watch him walk. And when he stands still his back legs are not straight its like they are collapsing from the weight of him (he is normal size not fat not skinny) I just want some advice really? :(
Title: Re: Anyone's cat have osteoarthritis?
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on February 28, 2012, 16:25:28 PM
Have no experience of it, just wanted to say sorry to hear of Harvey's diagnosis  :hug: Did the vet say the only option to treat it was pain relief?
Title: Re: Anyone's cat have osteoarthritis?
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on February 28, 2012, 17:22:24 PM
Stupi really but I didnt know that cats could have this.

My elderly 3 legged boy has arthritus but no xrays have even been taken and its in his one back leg, probably in the hip.

He is now back on metacam which a part does help him incredibley but I suspect that your boys problem is more serious and he is so young.  :hug: :hug: :hug:

I ask the same question as Helen.
Title: Re: Anyone's cat have osteoarthritis?
Post by: catloverxo on February 28, 2012, 19:05:24 PM
Thanks! In answer to both of your questions, the vet suggested 6 month checks and if this medicine doesn't work or help he suggested steroids.
Title: Re: Anyone's cat have osteoarthritis?
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on February 28, 2012, 20:36:03 PM
I do hope that the metacam helps  :hug: :hug: :hug: