Management of osteoarthritis in cats

Osteoarthritis is a condition most frequently recognized in the geriatric cat but may occur in any cat suffering from joint abnormality or injury. Clinical signs include weight loss, anorexia, depression, urinating outside the litter box, poor grooming, and lameness. Radiographs and synovial fluid analysis are used to distinguish this disease from the various forms of inflammatory arthritis that affect the cat. Management consists mainly of environmental manipulation and medical management. Agents used for the medical management of painful osteoarthritis in cats include aspirin, butorphanol, corticosteroids, and oral nutritional supplements.