Arthritis/injury - management and pain relief

[onyx]

chloe spent her first session with gail growling, hissing, spitting and trying to bite her....    (I had already had her for over a year before her first session, and when I got her, you couldn't touch her back end at all).


a good animal masseuse/physio will be quite used to that....    We found it easier if i held chloe and let gail work on her....  dreamies also worked quite well...

her next few sessions were a bit calmer...we even had one where chloe just sat the whole time and glared angrily but didnt lash out... (The hatred and disgust in her eyes were very very clear to everyone in the room...)

our last session chloe put up more of a fight - but gail said this was due more to her being healthy more than in pain...! She even managed to eat some treats, as opposed to the first session she was so stressed she couldnt.

Is there anyway you could do some desensitization work around her back end? I used to put my hand near chloe's back, tell her she was a good girl, and then give her treats. Eventually we got closer and more intimate, and now i can touch her pretty much everywhere, but her patience varies on what part of the body im at!     

[weesilvie]

Yes, I've been following fluffybunny's progress with great interest

I'm in two minds about trying acupuncture or physio etc. Silvie is not exactly an ideal patient - she doesn't enjoy vet visits and she struggles to allow the vet to examine her sore bits without her lashing out or her having to be scruffed. I feel that could be counter-productive. Definitely worth discussing with the vet though. I don't feel in any hurry and may wiat until her next check up in a couple of months,  see how she goes in the meantime.

It's so hard to know what the right course of action for Silvie will be.

[onyx]

i think fluffybunny had some sucess with accupuncture, and chloe has had some really good results from the massage.


She saw gail last week, and i was told i didn't need to bring her back for more treatment as her back end is much better than it was before.  (She's now also jumping on counters...)


i wonder if the vet could refer you to a mctimoney or physio who might be able to help?

http://www.mctimoney-corley.com/Practitioners


physio may also help?

http://www.acpat.org/

[weesilvie]

I have  been waiting in vain for the warmer weather to see if that helps Silvie! Unfortunately the second jag has also worn off but I have chosen not to restart the Metacam seeing as overall it doesn't seem to have had a significant effect.

Now I'm torn - poor Silvie does have her limp back but can I justify the expense of another jag which still might not work again and also put her through the distress? I really don't like the effect the sedative has on her but know its necessary.

One alternative would be to try acupucture but I'm not sure whether she'd be a model patient for it!

I know, there's no right answer to this. Think I'll wait until it does get warmer and see how she does. Trouble is the warmth might help her but it also means she goes out more which means more climbing fences etc which might not help! Dilemmas...

[weesilvie]

Well, unfortunately the jag did wear off and the limp returned. She went back on the Metacam for a week with not much effect so last week we went back to the vets for another steroid jag. This time they gave her anantibiotic shot at ghe same time, so touch wood, she doesn't have any flu or even sniffles a week later However, I don't think the steroid jag has had as much effect this time - she still has a touch of a limp. It's only been a week, so there's still time, but right now I'm not that keen to go for another one.

She's doing fine though, limp or not -still my best cat

[weesilvie]

Thanks Gill   I'll have to try and remember for that if she gets another relapse.

Thankfully after a week to ten days, Silvie recovered from the flu thing OK.

We were back at the vets this week for the post-steroid jag check up - the vet seemed to be pleased with her progress.  He said that whilst it wasn't terribly easy to tell, he did think that the thickening in her dodgy elbow joint was less than beofre.  I also think that her limp is slightly less.  However, the jag only really wears off this weekend at the earliest, so we'll have to wait and see.  Today I think I can see the limp coming back a bit but then the weather has just got significantly colder, so it could be that affecting her.

Vet and I are keen that she doesn't get more jags unless she definitely needs them, especially as he's fairly sure that the flu relapse was a direct side effect of it.  I'll see how she goes over the next week or so - but then its not due to get any warmer any time soon!

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

Bisolven is the thing for cats bad noses and catarrah as with cat flu, it needs just a small pinch in food every day so one packet from the vets usually suffices.

[weesilvie]

I'm not keen to shut her in the carrier unless I have to - she really doesn't like it.

I did manage about three quarters of an hour with her in the bathroom with me this evening. I dropped my big fleece jumper on the floor for her beside the towel heater which she sat on, stared up at the door and looked generally horrified! She did chill out a bit though, resigned herself to her fate, picked her toenails and had a good wash. I hope its helped her.

[Tiggy's Mum]

Poor Silvie

You could run a hot shower for a while then stop it (so it's not noisy/scary for her) and take her in the bathroom in a carrier like Cazzer has mentioned. I have also seen people mention Bisolvon powder for cats as being very effective, this is prescription only so you'd need to get it from the vets but I would imagine they wouldn't need to see her again to prescribe it if it's appropriate as they saw her the day before.

[cazzer]

what I used to do with Oska was put him in his wire carrier and then put a bowl of boiling water with olbas oil in close by.     I then used some towels to make a tent covering cat and bowl.      Hope she is feeling better soon 

[weesilvie]

Poor Silvie is still suffering   She had a bit of a coughing/choking/gagging fit when she was having her breakfast this morning but she recovered OK.

I phoned the vets on Thursday and predictably they recommended that I bring her in.  The vet had a good look and checked her eyes and her breathing and gave her an antibiotic shot.  She said the steroid dose wasn't huge so probably shouldn't affect her immunity but the fact that it's long-acting might have a small effect.  The ABs was to hopefully make sure it doesn't turn into anything more evil and to give her immunity a bit of protection.

I feel happier having consulted the vet but I'm still looking forward to Silvie starting to feel better.  I guess these things just have to run their course and there's nothing much we can do about it, but it doesn't make it any easier to watch!

Vet suggested some steam inhalation - we both laughed!  I'll shut Silvie in the bathroom with me later when I run the bath with a spot of eucalyptus oil.  I doubt she'll be impressed but I'll try!

[LouiseJ]

I'm in Roydon so not that far at all. We were over at Freeport yesterday. Our vets is in Stanstead Abbotts. One of our neighbours swears by her for cat accupuncture.

[fluffybunny]

I'm between Chelmsford and Dunmow so probably not too far from you then!  The vet who I am seeing for acupuncture is at Spring Lodge in Ingatestone. 

[LouiseJ]

Ohh where in Essex? I'm in the South East right on the Herts border and the girls vets does accupuncture.

[fluffybunny]

Hello again!  No, I'm in sunny Essex, but my vet has consulted Richard Saunders before now about one of my bunnies, and I know many others who have had referrals to him and no-one has anything other than high praise.  He's somewhat of an unlikely bunny-lady groupie   

Good luck, and yes I will keep you posted on how Milly's acupuncture goes...next session is not until next week as the vet is rudely having Christmas off!

[weesilvie]

Hello fellow Bristol cat people

Are you in Bristol too fluffybunny?  Did you see the acupuncturist who works from Highcroft?

I am indeed a Highcroft customer and absolutely agree that the exotics team are excellent - I see them with my guinea pigs.  Can't fault any of the staff there in fact, nurses and receptionists included - they've all been fab.  Yes, I do feel they're a bit on the pricey side - but with lovely people, the exotics specialists, the 24 hours thing, all their facilities and there's never any messing about, I feel its worth it.

I will see out the steroid jags for Silvie before pursuing acupuncture - but if the jags don't seem to be the right thing for her, then I'm sure they'd be happy to refer us for acupuncture.  Good news that you (fluffybunny) and Milly are doing well with it so far.  Not sure how Silvie would deal with it but if it comes to it, then it will be worth a try.

Still sneezing this morning.  Thankfully her breathing is OK and she's still eating fine (it would take more than a few sniffles to put Silvie off her food!)  She is out of sorts though, sleepier than usual, so I'll phone the vets when their advice line is open and see if there's anything we can do to help her.

[fluffybunny]

Oh I didn't realise you were in Bristol either! Do you think it might be worth a referral? You've got a superb referral practice in Bristol: http://www.highcroftvetreferrals.co.uk/orthopaedics I'm not familiar with the orthopaedics team but I know the exotics team are superb so I suspect that the same standard applies across the board.

Fingers crossed the sneezing is just a temporary setback and settles down quickly x x

[cazzer]

didn't realise you were in Bristol so am I!!!!

yes weather has been pretty yuck.     My late persian Oska was on steroids for triaditis but we found that towards the end of his life we were having a constant battle with snotty noses/eyes.      Ginger who also has steroids for his lymphoma doesn't seem to have the same problem touch wood!

[weesilvie]

Never rains but it pours (figuratively and literally here in Bristol!)

Silvie has been sneezing since Christmas Eve. She's had proper flu before so is likely a carrier so this is probably a relapse. However, I've been reading about flu on the Glasgow Uni Vet site linked to from the library/info post on Purrs and I have read that being on corticosteroids can make cats immunosuppressed and prone to infection. I'm assuming the injection she had last week in her elbow counts as corticosteroids

Think I'll give the vets a phone tomorrow when they reopen and have a chat with them about this.

[weesilvie]

Very glad to have Silvie home

Her leg is obviously a bit sore and tender and she is a little out of sorts after the sedative.  Vet said she is likely to be sore until tomorrow and I need to watch out to make sure she doesn't get an infection in it, but she should otherwise be fine.   We've to go see the vet again in January so he can check how she's doing.

I'll need to keep her shut out of the spare room where she likes to hide on the top bunk bed under the duvet - she'll struggle to get down from up there!

Will be very pleased not to have to go back to the vets for a couple of weeks!

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

Sorry no idea but hope the jab helps 

[weesilvie]

Vet just phoned, Silvie's had her injection and can come home after lunch

He said he noticed she'd been licking at her sore elbow and has a bald patch. I hadn't noticed this as it's right on the inside. She has a history of this - when she gets blood tests, she licks the bald patch on her neck until its raw and then it heals up after a couple of weeks. Any suggestions for anything to help her with this if it becomes a problem, to stop her licking or to put on it to soothe it? Want to avoid the lampshade if I can!

[Dawn F]

good that you have a bit more info, hope the visit goes well!

[weesilvie]

Thanks Onyx, that's good to know

Vet said one jag might do the trick or it might take a few. I'll let you know how we get on tomorrow.

[onyx]

good luck silvie!


Fonzie gets steroid injections every few months, and they really help hom.   

[weesilvie]

Vet phoned yesterday to tell me what the scans showed. He says Silvie has a bit of a mixture of osteoarthritis and the tennis elbow thing. No infection. So we're off back to the vet again on Thursday for her to get a steroid injection into the joint. Then we go back to see the vet next month for him to see how she's doing.

I really hope this helps her as its been a lot of vet visits and a lot of money. She is insured but I have one of those lovely 20% excesses...

[weesilvie]

I know Think I only tuned out because I knew the diagnosis wasnt 100% yet and I knew I'd be finding out more next week! I was just so pleased she was fine and come home soon.

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

So pleased its going well and very important you listen   

[weesilvie]

It has gone well today, thanks   And I'm starting to feel better now today is done, she's home, we have some ideas and we're starting to move forward. Even though we don't yet have definitive answers or a plan of action.

Ideas are that it is something akin to tennis elbow or inflamed arthritis. Vet doesn't think there's infection and lab results will confirm that. He's going to check his thoughts on the scan with a radiologist and I've to phone him on Monday to discuss further.

If it's the tennis elbow thing, then we'll try a steroid injection. Otherwise, I'm not sure - I have a bit of a tendancy to stop listening too well after they've told me she's fine and can come home! I'll pay attention better on Monday

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

I hope everything goes well on Thursday 

[weesilvie]

Feeling a bit weird after that, can't put my finger on it and not sure why. Hopefully its just because nothing is yet resolved.

Upshot is that Silvie is booked in on Thursday for X-rays, a CT scan and the joint tap. Vet says the possibilities are that the joint has an infection in it, there are bits of bone floating about in it, there is a tiny fracture or that it is just inflamed arthritis. If there are floaty bits which look easy to remove, then they'll do that on the day. If its infection, then they may flush it and it just needs ABs. Otherwise, I guess we need to see.

Vet examined her carefully and agreed the elbow is an issue. He was also wondering about the rear end stuff as she flinched a little when he felt there. I suggested he seek out the old X-days which he said he would do if he could.

Think part of what's making me nervous is that one of my guinea pigs went in for a scan last week and wasn't able to come home as what they found wasn't treatable.

At least once we know what we're dealing with I should feel better!

I gave Silvie her breakfast when we got home at 4.30. Now its 6pm, she wants her tea!

[onyx]

chloe is on canine joint care plus. I emailed Kate before i started, and she advised me that it is safe for cats. Obviously they don't need the dosage that the dog does!  I think it is about a 1/4 of the scoop per cat per day?

if you swap to the riaflex, you wont need the seraquin any more.

Hope it went well!

She's currently annoyed with me too - she's on a diet and is not happy, and wants to make sure that everyone knows she isn't happy and that she is STARVING and has never had food before IN HER LIFE!

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

Hope all goes well at thew vets 

[weesilvie]

Thanks Onyx. I like the look of those Riaflex products. Which one(s) is it Chloe has? Silvie is ten - no major injuries just a few minor congenital things which all add up to arthritis, plus this current minor but persistent elbow injury. She has Metacam (anti-inflammatory) and Seraquin (glucosamine and chondroitin) as well as Hills j/d diet. One thing i will discuss with the vet this afternoon is the optimum combination of drugs, supplements and diet for her.

I am deeply unpopular this morning - no breakfast allowed in case the vet wants to give her any treatment this afternoon!

[onyx]

Chloe is 4ish? and when adopted had a fractured pelvis and was told she will develop arthritis in the area.

 I'm not too sure of the background of Silvie, but what i found with chloe what has kept her mobile is a combination of being on riaflex  ( http://www.riaflex-equine.co.uk/ ) and having quarterly massages from an animal mctimoney -corley chiropractor/sports masseuse.

she is much more flexible two years on than she was when she was adopted.

it may also be worth looking into hydrotherapy? some places who do dogs may also do cats? I know hydro has really helped the dog as well....


: )

feel better silvie!

[weesilvie]

Thanks all.

Yes, I agree with the X-ray suggestion. However, the old ones showed arthritis in the hips, knees, base of spine and base of tail - all at the rear end. The current injury is in her front left elbow. So new X-days will be required anyway. The old ones were done about five years ago too and I seem to remember that vet having a rather creaky computer system! So they may not be held electronically. Under the circumstances, I'm happy for new ones to be done.

The vet we saw this week suggested accupuncture before I could - she has it herself and approves. She also recommends the practitioner who works from their practice. Looking forward to hearing how fluffybunny and Milly get on

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

Sheila is right but often specialists want to do their own xrays and tests and will not bother with the old ones. Worth trying to get them to your vets though 

Sending loads of good wishes for Tuesday and yes insurance although expensive is really needed at times like this 

[sheilarose]

The x-rays from your previous vet should be available (you did pay for them so they are officially yours!).
Give them a call and ask if they would be able to e-mail them to your new vets (x-rays are generally held electronically these days).

I did this with Theo's x-rays, both the vet practices were happy to help as it did make sense, as it does in your case.

Good luck for Tuesday. 

[fluffybunny]

Good luck with that - it all sounds as if things are moving in the right direction.  Milly has her first acupuncture session on 20th Dec so I will let you know how I find that, too.  Do please keep us posted x

[LouiseJ]

Good luck for Tuesday