It is clear that arthritis cat treatment has improvedwith modern veterinary medicine. Previously, if your cat was diagnosed with arthritis, theonly options for treatment were NSAIDS (like your common ibuprofen painkillers)or more expensive steroid therapies. Thereare many other options that can make your cat's life easier.
Although there is no cure for arthritis in felines,modern medicine has made it possible to treat and relieve the symptoms. The most basic form ofarthritis is the destruction of cartilage in joints. It can cause a grinding or rubbing sensation in the joints,which can become incredibly painful. Theonly medications prescribed to treat this condition in the past wereanti-inflammatory and pain relief medications. These medications could not beused for long periods of time. Cats withexisting kidney or heart problems could make the problem worse and are notsuitable candidates for this treatment.
One of the most recent drugs is capable of blocking theenzyme responsible for cartilage breakdown. Although there have beenmixed results in cats, it is difficult to determine if it works. Side effectssuch as nausea and vomiting are some of the reasons for this drug'seffectiveness. Cats have a uniquemetabolic profile, making administering the drug difficult for them.
The natural health area of organicand herbal remedies is another area that can be considered for arthritistreatment in cats. The majorityof all-natural treatments have been proven to be effective in treatingarthritis symptoms and also preventing the development of arthritis in oldercats. Many natural remedies have beensuccessfully used to treat arthritis in humans. The effective treatment of arthritis has long beenrecognized as chondroitin or glucosamine.
Combining traditional western medicine with naturalremedies for arthritis can produce good results. Although arthritis is morecommon in older cats, it can also be seen in younger adult patients. It is possible to prevent arthritic symptoms by giving yourcat a variety of glucosamine/chondroitin mixes, or a food rich in omega-3 fattyacid. It is notable that New Zealand'sgreen-lipped mussels, which are high in omega-3, can be dried and ground intocat food or purchased quality cat food with the required amounts.
