Tag Archives: cat arthritis

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Arthritis and your feline friend.

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Arthritis and your feline friend. 

 

Arthritis in cats is a surprisingly common and serious health concern, without treatment the
pain will continue to worsen, particularly as the damp, cold weather starts. Recognising signs of pain in your cat can be tricky as they are very good at hiding the signs of struggling and discomfort. But as your cats protector, you know your pet better than anyone in the world so if you think that your cat is not quite as agile as they used to be, please do not hesitate to contact our team for advice and support.
arth signs

  Other signs to watch out for include

Dull, matted coat – due to less self grooming.

Changes to personality – more irritable.

Not jumping up to their usual window sill / sunny spot.

Having accidents / missing the litter tray.

If you suspect your cat is struggling, do not panic, our team are available to help support you and your pet. We have a new injectable pain relief designed specifically to target the aches and pains of arthritis, meaning your cat can enjoy a comfortable, pain free life again.

All four of our West London surgeries are able to provide a treatment plan to support your pet. If you are not yet a client please register yourself and your pet here.

Already a client – please contact your local Young Vets surgery to discuss the treatment available and whether your pet is a suitable candidate.

 

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Read a success story from Charlotte & Mandu, clients at our Chiswick surgery.

 

Mandu_Kimpton

 

“Last year I noticed that when my 10 year old cat walked away from me, his back legs seemed stiff and he resembled a cowboy, akin to John Wayne! When Mandu climbed stairs, it was laboured and he didn’t like jumping up on to walls anymore.

My husband built some ramps around the home to help support him, the fence ramp is very popular but the stair ramp, not so much!

 

Mandu outside ramp

 

Last October, at Mandu’s yearly vaccination, the vet checked his hips and back legs and, after much hissing, the vet announced her suspicions – osteoarthritis. I had no idea that cats, like dogs and humans, could be inflicted with this horrible condition.

Mandu was prescribed a joint supplement, but after one month there was no change. I was recommended a new treatment, produced especially for cats to alleviate the pain of arthritis and improve mobility. Results from other patients were proving to be very promising.

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In February, Mandu had his first dosage (two vials as he’s nearly 8 kilo’s) and it was amazing to see the difference, within days he became more agile and comfortable. As a result, he returns every month for his top up dose, the cost of which is supported by my pet insurance.

The impact of chronic pain will affect your cat’s quality of life, as a fellow osteoarthritis sufferer, I know. Here’s hoping a human version is produced soon!”

 

Arthritis & your cat

 

Why not take a short 8 question checklist, to help identify your cats quality of life, not just physically but emotionally.

The good news is that by identifying your cat’s condition, together with the help of our experienced team, we can develop a care plan to help put the spring back into your feline. Take a short feline only quiz here.

If you have concerns about your cat, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for advice and support on your pets individual needs. This pet blog is not intended to replace discussions with a veterinary surgeon and has been produced by the Young Veterinary Partnership with support from Zoetispetcare.com

Check your pets teeth regularly to spot early signs of a problem.

Spotting the Signs of Arthritis

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Spotting the Signs of Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic condition caused when the normal joint tissues degenerate (or wear away), leading to pain and ongoing damage.1,2 Arthritis commonly develops in middle age, with older cats more likely to demonstrate signs of arthritis.

Arthritis in our pets is sadly very common. Around 40% of all cats will show signs of arthritis and more than 90% of cats older that 12 years have signs consistent with arthritis when looking at x-rays of their joints. If left untreated, the pain will become worse over time.

Despite how common arthritis is in cats, it is underdiagnosed. Globally, only around 13% of cats with arthritis will receive a diagnosis and therefore, treatment for their chronic pain. So why is this number so low?

The nature of the cat’s behaviour means they tend to hide signs of illness or pain. In the wild, showing signs of illness would make them vulnerable to predation from other animals and this behaviour has carried over to our pet cats. Whilst beneficial in the wild, this is not helpful in a home environment. It means that illnesses can be well advanced before we notice anything is wrong.

Another reason why arthritis in cats is not easy to spot, is due to the common misconception that slowing down or being less active is a normal change as cats get older. This is not the case. If your cat becomes less active, shows less interest in or a reluctance to play, this could be a sign that your cat is suffering from arthritis.

However, if we are aware of the behaviours (or lack thereof) associated with arthritis in cats, we can spot the signs earlier, meaning we can ensure our cats are comfortable, more mobile and have a good quality of life.

 

Spotting the Signs of Arthritis

Spotting the Signs of Arthritis

What Signs Can I Look For?

It is important to note first that you know your cat best as their owner. These signs give us clues that there may be arthritis affecting one or more of your cat’s joints. Any deviation from the ‘normal’ behaviour of your cat warrants a visit to the vet for a check over. As we have already mentioned, cats are experts at hiding signs of illness and your vet will be happy to examine your cat if you are worried.

Mobility:

Your cat may be reluctant to

  • – Jump up or down onto or off of surfaces.
  • – Go up and/or down stairs
  • – Jump or climb into/onto their favourite bed.
  • – Play
  • – Use scratching posts (or other substrates)

 

Behaviour:

Your cat may be:

  • – Grumpy or less happy with people and other animals in the house
  • – More withdrawn – interacting less with others in the house
  • – Less active
  • – Sleeping in different locations eg, on the floor
  • – Not coming upstairs/into the house any more

If you notice any of these signs in your cat, it could indicate they have pain associated with arthritis. It is important to seek treatment from your veterinary surgeon if any of the above are noticed.

 

Tabby cat in grass

 

Cat Blog produced by Pet Dialog. If you have concerns about your feline friend don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team for advice on your pets individual case.

 

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References:

  1. Cimino Brown D et al. What can we learn from osteoarthritis pain in companion animals? Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2017;35 suppl 107(5):53-58. 2. KG MarketSense 2018 Global Veterinarian Market Research
Pet Paws and Poinsettia

Pet Paws and Poinsettias.

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Pet Paws and Poinsettias.

 

Pet Paws and Poinsettias.

Some salt mixtures on paths, and roads can build up between your pets paws, causing limping and sores. So, do check your pets feet regularly and make sure they washed, clean and dry on your return from a walk. As well as a range of common hazards our Pet Paws and Poinsettias Blog also takes a look at winter toxins and your pets, some are seasonal, but most are a year round problem.

winter pets

 

How can you try to ensure your pet remains the right weight?

Loosing lock down pounds can be hard for both humans and pets alike. With the onset of winter, it’s very tempting for pets to snuggle up at home, go on less walks and in the process gain some extra weight. Our Winter News offers some great advice on how to monitor your pets weight from home and the problems that weight gain can cause.

 

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Grapes, raisins and sultanas

are also known to be toxic to both cats and dogs. The festive season brings with it a range of winter hazards. Our Pet Paws and Poinsettias Blog, takes a look at some of the most common toxins and hazards around at this time of year that all pet owners should be aware of.

 

Pet paws and poinsettia.

 

We hope that you enjoy reading our Winter Blog, if you have a query on any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice. We have been providing a caring service for our clients and their pets across West London for over 50 years. Register your pet with our team today here and visit a vet who is passionate about your pet.

 

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Winter News 2017

Read our 2017 Winter Newsletter here

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We hope you enjoy reading our Winter Newsletter it’s packed full of advice to keep your pets happy and healthy this festive season!

 

Out and about:

Although the weather can be miserable, it is important to ensure your dog still gets their walks. Make the most of the shorter days by playing games while you are out to give your pet mental and physical stimulation. If you have walked your dog through road grit, don’t forget to clean their paws when you get home from your walk, as the grit can irritate their skin.

 

Bunny Upsets!

A reduction in your bunnies appetite can indicate an underlying health problem. If your rabbit seems to be eating less, it is well worth making an appointment for a check-up. Read our Winter Newsletter to understand more about you rabbits diet and the signs to watch out for to ensure they stay happy and healthy this winter.

 

Dry eyes, Cataracts and Glaucoma:

How healthy are your dogs eyes? Read our Winter Newsletter and learn the signs to watch out for when looking in your dogs eyes and when a condition should be treated as an ocular emergency. If your pet is showing any symptoms of an eye problem, please do not hesitate to book an appointment.

 

Arthritis and your pets. 

Arthritis is very commonly first diagnosed in older patients during the Winter months. Understand the reasons why Arthritis is more noticeable during the this period. Our Newsletter also includes some top tips to make your home as comfy as possible for those suffering with this condition.

 

Our Winter Newsletter is packed full of helpful advice to help you care for your pet this winter. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more information on any of the articles mentioned.

Autumn News 2017.

Our Autumn Newsletter for 2017 has arrived!

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Our Autumn Newsletter has arrived, we hope you enjoy reading it! If you have any questions about the topics in the newsletter do not hesitate to contact our friendly team!

A word in your ear!

Did you know ear disease is common in our pets and its something we regularly treat here at Young Vets. Anatomically, our pets’ ears are very similar to ours, the main difference is that the ears are positioned towards the top of their heads rather than the sides. Read our NEWSLETTER to understand more about ear disease and the signs to watch out for in your pet.

Autumn Awareness!

Do you know the dangers that come with the beautiful season that is Autumn? Read our NEWSLETTER and learn about some of the dangers around this season, including conkers. They are poisonous, causing nasty tummy upsets in dogs when swallowed and can cause blockages in the intestines!

 

Parasite Alert!

Don’t forget to keep treating your pet against fleas and ticks during this season, as turning on your central heating means your home becomes the ideal environment when it is too cold outside for them! We are happy to talk to you about parasite protection for your home and your pet, don’t hesitate to contact for a chat.

 

Tick Alert!

Don’t forget to monitor your pet daily for ticks and if any are found, these should be removed promptly with a specially designed tick remover. Make sure you remove the whole of the tick and don’t leave any of it attached to your pet or it can cause irritation. If you are concerned contact our team and we will be able to remove ticks from your pet.

 

We’re sure about insurance, are you?

Are your pets insured? If not, it is definitely something worth considering and we would certainly recommend it. When looking for policies there are a few things to consider. Read our Autumn NEWSLETTER to understand about the different types of policies that are available for your pet.

 

Do fireworks put your pet in a fizz?

Sadly fireworks is not just one night anymore it seems to be more of a ‘season’. This can cause real anxiety for some pets, however there are many ways to try and keep the peace in your home. One of the most important things to bear in mind is be prepared. Read some of the different options we have available in our NEWSLETTER and contact our friendly team for more help and advice.

 

Click here to read our Autumn Newsletter for 2017.

Black cat Louis

How to help your cat in old age.

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Looking after your golden oldies.

Did you know that by the time your kitten reaches 1 year of age it is the equivalent of around 15 human years! With improvements in nutrition, veterinary care, medicine and knowledge from the public cats, like most pets are living longer healthier lives but can still suffer the effects of old age. Read on to find out the signs to watch out for and how to help your older feline friend.

 

What to watch out for:

  • They may meow more loudly than before – this could be due to hearing loss. Bad breath, drooling and or change in eating habits, portion size and/or dropping food can be a sign of dental disease, don’t forget to keep an eye on the amount they are drinking too.
  • Sensitivity to bright lights can be due to a decline in your cats vision.
  • Your feline friend may also become less active due to arthritis so keep an eye out for sharper claws, we can easily clip your cats nails in a consultation and show you how to do it at home too.
  • Just like humans, they can loose their sense of taste and smell which can cause them to go off their food – which is why it is important to visit us at least once a year to keep an eye on their weight and general body condition.

 

As we all know cats are the “Kings and Queens of the Household” and we are just their servants, this means they are extremely self reliant and masters of hiding their pain. Sadly this can mean that conditions like dental disease and arthritis can go unnoticed for a period of time. If your cat is slowing down or losing their appetite don’t ignore the signs, give our friendly team a call for some advice and to book a check up.

 

How to help your cat into old age –

 

  1. If their favourite sunshine spot is on a high window ledge, make them a half way step to help their joints – perhaps a chair or coffee table to help them up?
  2. In winter time make sure their bed is extra cosy and warm for them to snuggle into.
  3. cold bones = old bones.
  4. Make sure they have regular weight and health checks.
  5. If you have a multi cat household make sure the golden oldies have a quiet space to hide in.
  6. Keep your pets microchip details up to date – if something happens whilst they are out & about is your mobile number up to date on the records?
  7. If you think your cat may be loosing her sense of smell try warming up the wet food, this can make it more appealing.
  8. Grooming (particularly long haired coats) your cat will help strengthen your bond and older cats generally enjoy a gentle groom with a soft brush or comb.
  9. Regular nail clips to ensure brittle nails do not get caught in furniture.
  10. Try buying the smellier food such as salmon or tuna to help tempt their appetite.

 

If you have any concerns no matter how small do not hesitate to mention them to one of our team so we can help you care for your golden oldie.

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Top winter tips for your pet

vet in ealing

 

  • Often in the winter period we see a large number of flea related problems. Once your central heating is put on, any flea eggs in the house will hatch out resulting in large numbers of fleas appearing. Each individual flea can lay hundreds of eggs in the house which are resistant to virtually all cleaning methods.  We strongly recommend that you treat your pet with a spot on flea treatment from the surgery (in our experience supermarket brands tend to be of an inferior quality to our recommended products) and use a household flea spray on the carpets and floors.

 

  • Many people find their pets slow down in the colder weather.  In middle aged and older animals this may be related to underlying arthritis.  With dogs it is usually more obvious as it causes stiffness getting up or limping when walking. Cats however often hide signs of arthritis. They may be reluctant to jump onto surfaces or may not be able to jump as high as they used to.

 

  • Weight control is very important if your pets do have arthritis, so try not to give too many treats over the winter period ! We have special diet foods for both dogs and cats which are generally much more effective in achieving weight loss than simply reducing their current food or using the supermarket light diet foods.

 

  • Nutritional supplements can be given to both dogs and cats for arthritis, and may be benefiicial. It is important to use high quality supplements as the effectiveness of these can vary greatly. We generally recommend  supplements such as  Nutraquin +  but can advise on a range of supplements to help you find the best one for your pet.

 

  • Anti-inflammatory medications may also be beneficial for both dogs and cats with arthritis, either for short term or long term use. Remember NEVER give human anti-inflammatory medications to pets unless directed specifically by the vet. Some human medications are highly toxic to pets (for instance paracetamol is often  fatal if given to  cats).

 

  • Laser therapy ( non surgical light therapy) can be beneficial for arthritis, which we are able to perform with our class 4 laser at our Ealing surgery.

 

  • Regular exercise is also important for dogs to maintain mobility in the colder months. Frequent short walks may be better than one longer walk.

 

  • Medical problems other than arthritis may cause your pet to slow down, and so it is important that your pet is checked by a vet before starting treatment for arthritis.

 

  • Finally a reminder that Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, Stollen mince pies and chocolate can all be poisonous to dogs. Poisonous plants include holly, ivy and mistletoe.  Pointsettia and lillies are toxic to cats.

 

  • Please feel free to call us if you would like advice on any of the issues we have raised. Just click on the link to our website below for details of your surgery. We are here to help.

 

  • With festive wishes from all the team at Young Veterinary Partnership.  We look forward to continuing to care for your pet in the coming year.