Question:
I have a 9-year-old male Siamese cat that has just been diagnosed with arthritis. The first vet said his back legs and hip were affected and prescribed prednisone for a week and glucosamine/chondroitin capsules sprinkled on his food once a day. He felt an X-ray was unnecessary. The second vet said he thought that the arthritis affected his back and that it could be due to an old injury; he strongly recommended an X-ray to confirm. He also said to use the glucosamine/chondroitin twice a day. This seems to have helped somewhat; however, overall, my cat has been slowing down considerably in the last year.
What would you recommend as a next course of action?
E.A.P., West Palm Beach, FL May 24, 2010
Answer:
The diagnosis of arthritis (especially in older cats who become crabby, less active and may seem depressed and are no longer playful) is often made too late, if not at all. This underdiagnosed feline malady is in part due to what cats are usually fed, namely manufactured foods with omega-6 fatty acid excess and omega-3 deficiency; not having the stimulation of another cat or highly interactive, play/chase-initiating owner; and not going to see the veterinarian on a regular, annual basis. In addition to what your veterinarians prescribe, give your cat a drop of fish oil in his food once a day, increasing gradually to 1/2 teaspoon daily. This provides anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. If your cat does not like fish oil, try organic butter or beef from grass-fed cattle.
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