What are the common orthopedic conditions seen in cats compared to dogs?
Fortunately, for cats, they're much more agile than their canine counterparts, and so we don't see as many orthopedic conditions with them. A little bit more regularly, we encounter a condition called necrosis of the femoral neck and head. This is a congenital condition where the blood supply to the joint is low, leading to degeneration of the bone structure there. Sometimes, we have to go in and remove some of the bone fragments that fracture off. Cats often sustain traumatic injuries from jumping off of apartment buildings and such, resulting in fractures. It's amazing what these cats can survive. More often, with cats, we see acute traumatic injuries rather than congenital issues.
How can pet owners identify orthopedic issues in their cats?
When our feline patients have orthopedic conditions, it can be really challenging to diagnose, even in the hospital. When they come in, they're just slinking around and are so good at hiding things that, even with a major injury, sometimes you don't even know which leg is injured. We have to do some detective work at home and look for changes in behavior. If you're finding that your pet is no longer engaging in athletic activities, not jumping up and down on the counter as they used to, that may be a sign of arthritis or injury. Certainly, if there's an obvious lameness at home, then that's a sign. Another behavior to watch for is hiding; with any major disease, they often want to be on their own. If they're under the bed all the time or in the back of the closet, engaging in abnormal activity, those are subtle signs. Since they are prey animals, their instinct is to hide anything. If you're noticing changes that don't seem right, bring them in, and we can evaluate them.
What are the challenges and advancements in managing chronic pain for cats?
As our patients age, osteoarthritis, which involves general age-related changes in the joints that cause inflammation, pain, and discomfort, affects all geriatric patients across the board. In the past, our limitations with the management of chronic pain for cats were due to the ineffectiveness of anti-inflammatories. It's not that they're ineffective; it's because felines’ biochemistry can't handle them, leading to higher side effects. However, a newer medication comparable to our Lilella for canine patients is Solensia for cats. It works similarly by neutralizing the proteins that are part of the pain cascade. It's wonderful and a game-changer for our feline patients, helping them move better and do the agile things we imagine cats doing better than when they were succumbing to arthritis.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (703) 256-8414, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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Frequently Asked Questions: Cat Orthopedics in Annandale, VA
Do cats commonly have orthopedic problems?
Yes. While cats are often thought of as agile and resilient, they are prone to orthopedic conditions including fractures from falls or trauma, luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, and arthritis, especially as they age. Cats are also skilled at masking pain, so limping or reduced activity can be the first sign of a significant orthopedic issue.
How do I know if my cat has an orthopedic injury?
Signs of an orthopedic problem in cats include limping, favoring one leg, reluctance to jump or climb, changes in posture, swelling around a joint, and decreased activity or grooming. Cats tend to hide discomfort, so any change in movement or behavior warrants a veterinary evaluation.
What orthopedic treatments are available for cats?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and can range from pain management and rest for minor injuries to surgical repair for fractures, joint instability, or structural abnormalities. Our veterinarians will use physical examination and imaging to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for your cat.
Can older cats have orthopedic surgery safely?
Age alone does not disqualify a cat from surgery. Our team performs a thorough pre-surgical evaluation including bloodwork and anesthetic risk assessment to ensure your cat can safely undergo a procedure. Many senior cats benefit greatly from orthopedic surgery and recover well with proper post-operative care.
Is emergency orthopedic care available for cats at any hour?
Yes. Columbia Pike Animal Hospital and Emergency Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no additional emergency fee. If your cat is injured and showing signs of an orthopedic emergency such as an inability to bear weight, a visible deformity, or severe pain, bring them in immediately. We are here around the clock.