Current and Future State of Disease

Nearly 40% of all cats have clinical signs of OA, and 90% of cats over age 12 have radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis^1-4 - nearly double that seen in dogs. However, veterinarians report they diagnose OA in cats less frequently than in dogs.¹

Recognizing Feline Osteoarthritis
The elusiveness of recognizing feline osteoarthritis is explained in this comprehensive technical review by Sorell Langley-Hobbs, MA BVetMed, DSAS(O), DipECVS, FHEA, MRCVS.

Screen for Feline Osteoarthritis Pain
Dr. Gruen describes early signs observed by cat owners.

“[R]eally listen to the owners. To ask them not just about whether they think their cats are in pain, but to ask about specific behaviors that their owners may not have thought were associated with pain.”

Observing Signs of Clinical OA Pain in Cats
Did you know that, when educated about OA as an extremely common, painful disease that can be treated, almost 60% of cat owners found the information relevant to their cat, and more than half were motivated to make an appointment with their veterinarian?⁵

Use these articles to educate your clients about feline OA pain.

In addition, there is a gap between what owners think of as pain and what veterinarians think of as pain. Often cats present for behavioral problems, but when pain is treated, the behavior problems resolve. Use this validated Cat Osteoarthritis Pain Checklist to help your clients spot feline OA pain at home, where signs are most likely to be observed.

An interactive, digital version of the Feline OA Checklist can be accessed at catoachecklist.com:

A downloadable, printable version of the Feline OA Checklist can be used in your waiting and/or exam rooms:

This downloadable MP4 file plays a loop of the animated feline OA pain behaviors in the checklist. Play it in your reception area or post on your practice website:

As you discuss the checklist findings with your client, Dr. Gruen shares 4 key things you can do to observe signs of osteoarthritis pain in the exam room:

References

1. Enomoto M et al. Anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibodies for the control of pain in dogs and cats. Vet Rec. 2018; http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.104590

2. LASCELLES BD, HENRY JB, 3RD, BROWN J et al.: Cross-sectional study of the prevalence of radiographic degenerative joint disease in domesticated cats. Vet Surg 2010; 39: 535-44.

3. SLINGERLAND L, HAZEWINKEL H, MEIJ B, PICAVET P, VOORHOUT G: Cross-sectional study of the prevalence and clinical features of osteoarthritis in 100 cats. Vet J 2011; 187:304-9.

4. LASCELLES BD, DONG YH, MARCELLIN-LITTLE DJ, THOMSON A, WHEELER S, CORREA M: Relationship of orthopedic examination, goniometric measurements, and radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease in cats. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:10.

5. Data on File, November Pet Owner 2018 KG Marketsense, Zoetis Inc.