Pets with Arthritis??

**MirandaK** · 04-02-2008, 09:57 AM

Anyone dealt with this?

Our cat Jessie is very old and he's starting to limp and he hesitates a long time before jumping up on the couch or anything. We are taking him to the vet to make sure it's not a break of some kind but I'm guessing it's arthritis.

How do vets suggest treating this?

**forHISglory** · 04-02-2008, 09:59 AM

Our 17 year old dog probably has arthritis in his back hips. It takes him a while to get up, but once up, he does pretty well. He moves around to sleep in the sun, which probably makes it feel better. I haven't looked into treatment, so I'll be interested to hear what others have to say.

**wanderlusting** · 04-02-2008, 03:03 PM

Have you tried glucosamine supplements? My parent's mini pin had issues with her joints- she had a hard time getting out of bed and moving around. So we researched and got a good glucosamine supplement. After about a week, she started acting like a puppy again! They also do cat supplements.

THey're a little spendy but really worth it! http://www.zukes.com/meow/hip-action.html

**MirandaK** · 04-02-2008, 03:16 PM

Thanks for the link!!! I'll look into those!

**tbs727** · 04-02-2008, 03:55 PM

I bet a heating pad might make him happy. Or a hot water bottle in his favorite spot. That's all I know.

**Ceashels** · 04-02-2008, 05:45 PM

We put our 10 yr old sheltie on a "joint" protector which increases the volume of fluid in the joints. She has only been on it for a week so we don't notice any changes just yet. Our vet said it could take up to 4-6 weeks to get enough built up in her system so see if it helps.

**quiltergirl2** · 04-02-2008, 07:22 PM

Our cat has arthritis and has been taking glucosamine for several years. She also likes for me to dump the pile of warm towels and underwear just out of the dryer on top of her. She just conks out and sleeps till I decide to fold the laundry. I call it her heat treatment.

**Sari** · 04-03-2008, 01:21 PM

They may recommend Rimadyl which works really well for arthritis. Remember pets can NOT take Tylenol, Advil, etc.

**Sari** · 10-29-2008, 02:34 AM

Originally Posted by Sari

They may recommend Rimadyl which works really well for arthritis. Remember pets can NOT take Tylenol, Advil, etc.

Sorry, I misread the original post - Rimadyl is for dogs, NOT cats. There are other options, though. I hope you have been able to find something that helps your kitty.

**jdr250** · 10-29-2008, 07:25 AM

I haven't had any arthritis issues with my cats yet, but my 12 yr old mastiff mix has terrible arthritis. I've tried the glucosamine supplements, they're very expensive for a dog of his size over $80/mo. and he wouldn't eat them (they were in treat form). We have found some things that help although he'll never be 100% again. We limit his activity to what makes him comfortable right now he's down to chasing the ball twice across the yard, on the second retrieve he just takes it to a corner and lays down. We let him sleep on the couch it's softer. When it's warm he loves to lay on the grass in the sun. We also apply a heating pad when he's really bad. Our vet has suggested that when he gets really bad, we can try pain meds but being he's so old he worries about his kidneys and liver so that is a last option other than that he says just keep him as comfortable as we can. And just a warning, One thing is that in the summer he seems to improve but come winter he gets a little worse each year. Winters are tuff.
Good luck and I hope your kitty feels better.

**cheapskate 49** · 10-29-2008, 10:59 AM

http://www.petplace.com/drug-library...cam/page1.aspx

my 15 year old cat Sammy was hobbling about and not getting around well at all.The vet gave me this med for him-they had to do baseline liver function tests first-this stuff is great it's easy to give as it's a liquid,he likes the taste and he's no longer limping and is even chasing his toys again.He gets it in the morning and if I forget he comes and gets me.
Yesterday he was outside looking up at the arbour he used to climb-I swear he was going to try to get up there...

**Greebo** · 10-29-2008, 11:09 AM

We've got a dog with arthritis, and we also treat with glucosamine. She has shown notable improvement in her mobility and even engages in play.

**Gardengal18** · 10-29-2008, 12:00 PM

My 11 year old dog got this about 3 years ago and her Vet recommended Glucosamine (sp?) and Condroitin (sp?). She runs around like a 3 year old. People, including other vets have a hard time believing she's 11. Maybe I should start taking some of that stuff lol!

**fixer** · 11-12-2008, 02:59 PM

There are a lot of treatments for arthritis in pets. Our cats have never had a problem but our two big dogs sure have. The treatments available to pets is amazing. Find a good vet you are comfortable with and will listen and answer questions. Treatments can be expensive. Eighteen years ago when dw and I got our first two kitties we put three thousand dollars into a CD so we would never have to make a care decision based solely on cost. We have never needed the money and it still sits there earning interest. It was our first emergency fund.

**SweetCasey** · 11-21-2008, 02:54 PM

I used to give one of my late dogs glucosamine/chondroitin supplements from Drs. Foster & Smith called Joint Care and she did exceptionally well on them. They come in a formula for cats as well and are available in liver and vanilla flavors. I am sure you could find an even less expensive formula, but this worked very well for my toy dog. She had patellar luxation ("popping" knee), but it works equally well for any arthritis.