Disorder - Arthritis

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Joint instability, Femoral head necrosis, Patella luxation, Polioarthritis, Coxofemoral luxation, Chondrodysplasia

Alternative Names
Osteoarthritis, Arthrosis, Non inflammatory joint disease, Degenerative joint disease

Presenting Signs

Arthritis means ‘inflammation of the joint’; however, the term arthritis is used to describe many other types of joint problems, including degeneration. Arthritis has long term effects on the joints, often resulting in chronic pain. Arthritis can lead to changes in the fluid in the joint, destruction of the smooth cartilage that covers the ends of each bone and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the joint. Older cats are most susceptible to chronic arthritis. Cats with arthritis are less active, are slow to rise in the morning, are less agile and are stiff after rest. Signs are worse during winter and on cold mornings. Muscles become wasted because of reduced exercise, and this perpetuates the joint inflammation.

Cats at Risk

Aged cats with a history of trauma or joint inflammation

Treatment

Medical

PubMed References
Arthritis

Contributor
Robert Kent