Osteoarthritis in cats: the importance of identifying signs of pain and discomfort
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31533/pubvet.v19n05e1768Keywords:
Analgesia, arthrosis, feline osteoarthrosis, lameness, physiotherapyAbstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) in cats is considered a common and important condition, as it is a degenerative joint condition that has become increasingly recognized in recent years. Functional and structural changes characterize the disease and contribute to its progression, especially in senior cats. Studies show a prevalence of up to 90% in cats over 12 years of age showing some degree of osteoarthritis, mainly affecting joints such as elbows, hips, and knees. OA in cats is more difficult to diagnose than in dogs, due to the more subtle signs exhibited by this species. Instead of lameness, behavioral changes are more commonly observed, such as reduced activity, difficulty jumping, decreased social interaction, changes in hygiene habits and alterations in litter box usage. Treatments depend on the degree and severity of the condition, which include weight control, nutraceutical supplementation with omega 3, anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, monoclonal antibodies for pain control, intra-articular hyaluronic acid, physiotherapy, complementary alternatives and environmental enrichment with adjustments to facilitate mobility. Thus, the present work aims to develop a technical-educational project to instruct pet owners in identifying the clinical and behavioral signs of the disease and consequently seeking assertive treatment with their veterinarian, helping in the recovery and maintenance of these cats’ quality of life. For this study, a questionnaire was applied to 171 pet owners, and a literature review was conducted on the topic, addressing key concepts such as “osteoarthritis”, “degenerative joint disease” and “pain treatment in degenerative diseases”. The results highlighted the need to increase the dissemination of information about the disease and the identification of its painful signs, which motivated the development of an article and an educational brochure.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dra. Karym Christine de Freitas Cardoso, Cristiane Yamada Juvino de Araújo, Jailson Silva Lima, Juliane da Silva Moraes, Midiã Alvarenga Machado, Verônica Abreu Silva, Yully Stephani Camargo do Nascimento
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