Arthritis Medicine For Cats

Meloxicam is currently the only licensed pain relief medication for long term use in cats.

Arthritis medicine for cats. It s often used when pets are diagnosed with arthritis but it shouldn t be given if your pet is diabetic. Arthritis is a very painful disease that affects cats just like it affects dogs. Side effects of nsaids include vomiting diarrhea and loss of appetite. Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs nsaids are sometimes prescribed for feline arthritis which is similar to how the condition is treated in humans.

A veterinary chiropractor can also be of help. Cat arthritis treatment with medication the mainstay of arthritis treatment in humans and dogs is with nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs nsaids painkillers that reduce inflammation in joints. 2 nsaids are highly effective at controlling pain and inflammation of joints. It should always be given with or after food just as you shouldn t take aspirin on an empty stomach because this risks gastric ulceration.

If your cat s arthritis pain becomes chronic your vet may prescribe opioids. A cat can develop arthritis over time in their joints and limbs as well as their spine. Fortunately there has been an increase in options available to help manage and treat arthritis pain in cats. Opioids will likely need to be injected.

Unfortunately there aren t as many options out there in terms of medications for arthritic cats. Nsaids are usually the first line of defense. Devil s claw is an herbal remedy that s prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain. Common examples of this are codeine or morphine.

It comes in a specific cat formula that is easy to give. This means that your cat will need to regularly attend a clinic. The fda hasn t approved any nsaids for long term pain management but certain ones are cleared for short term use in cats. Arthritis cat treatment can take many forms including making your cat s environment easier to navigate conventional anti inflammatory medications and natural treatment options such as diet and supplements.

Here s what you need to know about what causes cat arthritis the signs you can look for and what veterinary treatment options are available. Unfortunately there aren t as many options out there in terms of medications for arthritic cats.