Feline Arthritis & Steroids

Arthritis is a debilitating disease affecting millions of humans and their pets worldwide. As cats age, they may develop arthritis; particularly because they are highly agile and athletic animals. Steroids are used to treat feline arthritis as a last resort.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of feline arthritis include unusual inactivity, inability to jump on and off things, stiffness (particularly in the back legs), dirty and matted fur and loss of appetite.

    Corticosteroids

    • Corticosteroids consumed by humans may also be prescribed, in much smaller doses, for feline arthritis. Corticosteroids are administered to the cat either by pill or injection.

    Function

    • Corticosteroids act as an aggressive anti-inflammatory. Cortisone and hydrocortisone are naturally produced hormones that ease stress-related injuries, support immunity and reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids artificially produce the same effects.

    Side Effects

    • As with humans, corticosteroid usage comes with the risk of severe and life-threatening side effects. Side effects are both short- and long-term and include loss of fur, unusual aggression, nervousness to the point of fear, Cushing's syndrome and death.

    Controversy

    • Due to the seriousness of the side effects associated with corticosteroids, the treatment is controversial and generally only considered in older animals where all other treatments have failed.

    Considerations

    • Doctors Foster and Smith report that alternative therapies, such as weight management, exercise, physical therapy, massage therapy, temperature control, glucosamine chondroitin and essential fatty acids are safe and effective ways to treat feline arthritis.