Feline Osteoarthritis
Male, 14 yo, 5 kg, domestic shorthair cat
indoor, living with other 3 adults cats.
presented for consultation for altered gait and extension of right stifle when in siting position.
During history collection it turns out the cat is presenting altered gait with bilateral hindlimb lameness for the past 4 years in an occasional manner.
Owner also reports reluctant to play/jump and aggressive behavior toward the other cats.
Physical examination and blood work (cbc, biochemistry, electrophoresis, infectious disease panel) detected only moderate hyperglobulinemia.
During orthopedic examination cats presented 1 to 2 grade right hindlimb lameness,
pain on palpation and manipolazione of right stifle, especially during flexion with crepitii.
neurological examination was unremarkable.
Radiological finding in this case of Feline OA is characterized by the presence of osteophytes in the stifle joint and soft tissue thickening and mineralization.
Note the osteophyte formation on the caudal pole of the patella and soft tissue mineralisation within the articular space on the mediolateral view.
Soft tissue mineralisation appears to be compatible with the the cranial pole of the medial meniscus (left stifle) and it might suggest a degenerative calcification within the meniscus as part of the arthritic process.
While the soft tissue mineralisation on the right stifle might be compatible with infrapatellare fat pad.
Treatment plan:
weight management
Joint supplements ( omega 3 & 6 / PEA )
Meloxicam in case of lameness or symptoms suggestive of acute pain and then gradually reduce the dose.
On follow up, the owner reported very good response to Meloxicam, that was evaluated through amelioration of gait, no pain on palpation of stifle, positive change in behavior towards the other household cats.