Arthritis Meds for Cats

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate

• Normal cartilage contains, among other components, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These compounds can be taken orally, providing building blocks to aid the body in repairing cartilage that has been damaged in the face of arthritis. In addition to helping with the structure of the joint, these compounds provide some relief from inflammation. Several weeks of continuous use are required before most cats experience relief. While these products are most useful when taken as stand-alone supplements, many senior diets do have glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate added to them.

Adequan

• Adequan is the trade name of an injectable cartilage component called polysulfated glycosaminoglycan. Like oral supplementation of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, Adequan provides building blocks to help repair damaged cartilage. However, Adequan has additional benefits such as improving joint lubrication and decreasing the effect of harmful enzymes that speed the rate of cartilage damage. Adequan is formally approved for dogs and horses, but is often used off-label for cats with good results.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Omega-3 fatty acids, found in high quantities in fish oils, have significant anti-inflammatory effects. While fish oils are typically used to help relieve itchy skin, they are also beneficial in arthritic cats. It may take up to a month of supplementation before a beneficial effect is seen. For the best results with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, look for an approximate 3:2 ratio of eicosapentenoic acid (EPA) to docosahexenoic acid (DHA).

Buprenorphine

• Buprenorphine is an opioid drug similar to morphine and is most useful for mild to moderate pain. Most cats are not on buprenorphine long-term. When it is used for arthritis, buprenorphine can be helpful in relieving occasional break-through pain. It is a tasteless liquid medication absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth, and so is administered by squirting a small amount along the gumline or under the tongue.

Acupuncture

• Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice. While it has been around for thousands of years, it wasn't used in animals until the 1950s. The actual practice of veterinary acupuncture, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), involves the "...stimulation of specific points on the body of non-human animals by use of acupuncture needles, moxibustion, injections, low-level lasers, magnets and a variety of other techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of numerous conditions in animals. Veterinary acupuncture and acutherapy are now considered an integral part of veterinary medicine." Acupuncture may be helpful as a stand-alone treatment in some cats, but seems to be most helpful when used in combination with other treatments.

Chiropractic

• To again quote the AVMA, "Veterinary chiropractic is the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of non-human animals through manipulation and adjustments of specific joints and cranial sutures." Chiropractic is used in animals for many of the same reasons it is used in people. Manipulation and adjustments of the spine and other structures can not only directly help with problems of the musculoskeletal system, but can also have a profound affect on the nervous system, thereby decreasing pain.

Staying Lean

• It is critical that arthritic cats not carry around extra weight. Keeping cats at their ideal body weight can go a long way in decreasing joint stress. In addition, it has other health benefits such as lowering the risk of diabetes and liver problems. Ideally, a cat should have a visible waist when viewed from above and the abdomen should tuck up a bit when viewed from the side. The ribs should be easily felt under a thin layer of skin and fat.