Feline osteoarthritis: More common than you think

Presented by Elizabeth O’Brien, DVM, Dipl. ABVP (feline), Evelin Molnar, DVM

Continuing education questionnaire

CE credit: 1

AssignedWebcast

Name

First name *

Last name *

License number *

Province where you practise *

Email *

Questions

1. What percentage of cats over the age of 12 have radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (OA)? *

36%

90%

55%

70%

2. True or False. All cats with OA have radiographic evidence of the disease. *

True

False

3. Hip dysplasia in cats is: *

Underestimated as they often do not exhibit clinical signs

Very rare and usually only occurs in purebreds

Common and causes an obvious lameness that is often acute on presentation

Different than dogs in that it is usually unilateral

4. Arthritis can be challenging to diagnose in cats because: *

Cats often do not exhibit lameness

OA is not always evident on a radiograph

It can be challenging to perform meaningful orthopedic examinations on cats

All of the above

5. True or False. The feline response to pain is a change in behaviour. *

True

False

6. Cats with OA may show the following signs: *

Hesitation to jump

Matted or poor hair coat at the base of the tail

Miscalculated jumps – clumsy

All of the above

7. True or False. In order to diagnose OA, radiographic evidence of joint disease must be present. *

True

False

8. What is true about OA in cats? *

Appendicular OA is more common, but axial OA (spondylosis) prevalence increases with age

It is clear that obesity is a direct cause of OA in cats

The carpus is the most common joint to be affected with OA

Main Coons are predisposed to severe arthritis affecting numerous joints

9. Monoclonal antibodies work by: *

Lowering the amount of nerve growth factor (NGF) available to bind to nociceptors

Helping normalize the changes to nerves seen with chronic pain

Reducing nerve sensitivity and alleviating OA pain

All of the above

10. When clients need to be convinced their cat is exhibiting pain from OA, the following is helpful: *

NSAID trial if bloodwork is normal

Cannabis trial if bloodwork is normal

Supplement trial

Adjust the location of the litter box