Feline Arthritis – Degenerative Joint Disease (DDJ)
At The Cat Vet, educating our clients on common diseases and illnesses is a big part of our work. By spreading awareness, especially about degenerative conditions, we can help cat lovers be more conscious about detecting and preventing them in their feline companions. Give them a happy and healthy quality of life.
Arthritis is a painful condition which affects the majority of the older cat population, with a prevalence of around 60% in cats over 6 years old, rising to around 90% of cats over 12 years old. The joints most commonly affected are the hips, stifles, tarsi and elbows. Spondylosis (fusing) of the thoracic and lumbar spine is also very common.
Symptoms of arthritis include reduced interest in jumping and short flights, slower mobility, difficulty defecating or behavioural changes in using the litter box and a decrease in grooming activity.
At The Cat Vet we like to use the most effective and convenient treatments, ensuring the best care for your cat and the least time consuming for you!
Frunevetmab is an Anti-Nerve Growth Factor monoclonal antibody and is the most valuable addition to the array of treatments available for feline arthritis.
Frunevetmab is a painless subcutaneous injection administered once monthly, thus overcoming difficulties in medicating those wiggly cats at home! It is also safe to use for long-term management of arthritis. Unlike other anti-inflammatory medications, it is not metabolised by the liver or kidneys and is therefore safe for cats with other concurrent diseases, including a history of kidney failure.
During the initial clinical trial, 76% of cat owners reported substantial improvement in signs of pain. Here are some testimonials:
“My neutered tom cat is now 15 and has spent his whole life fighting for his territory. He suffers from arthritis, and his back legs are now deformed. He has remained stable since he has been receiving a monthly arthritis injection and manages quite well. I notice that he moves better with the injection, and it is clear when he needs his next injection. It makes a difference.”
“Gregor is a 5-year-old Scottish Fold, and he was less than a year old when he started to show the first signs of a genetic disease called osteochondrodysplasia. He was limping on all four legs, had swollen joints, clearly experienced pain in his lower back, had a very stiff tail, faced sensitivity issues, struggled to gain weight, and had significant weakness. We started a monthly course of steroid injections. It temporarily improved his condition. However, his symptoms would return every few months. He would start limping again, become moody, less active than usual, and very sensitive in the lower back area above his tail. Cat Vet’s Dr. Raimundo Tamagnini recommended switching from steroids to an arthritis injection as a safer medication for Gregor’s condition that doesn’t affect inner organs, as steroids could. He has been receiving the injection for around two years now, and we have been blessed with tremendous improvements. He didn’t display any of the symptoms for more than a year. His lameness didn’t return, his joints are not swollen anymore, and he gained weight and overall body strength without any worry of potential side effects. He’s now a very happy, active and naughty cat.”
“Mia was diagnosed with osteoarthritis one year ago. After consultation with the expert vets at The Cat Vet, she started monthly arthritis injections to treat her symptoms. She has just turned 16 and enjoys a full and active lifestyle, running up and down the stairs, jumping without hesitation and having zoomies at all times of the day. It’s life changing, and I’m so grateful for the care she receives at The Cat Vet.”
“We have been using the arthritis injection now for almost a year for our ageing cat, who sadly developed arthritis. I can safely say that the injection has given her a new lease of life. Absolutely well worth it!”
If you feel that your feline companion is showing signs of arthritis or you would like to know more about the treatments available, book in for a consultation with one of our Feline Friendly Doctors at The Cat Vet
