About Cats |
DIAGNOSING MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASE AND PAIN
Like their wild ancestors, domestic cats are very good at hiding their pain. This, coupled with their typical lack of cooperation during a physical and orthopedic exam can make diagnosing the pain and finding its source very difficult, even for the most experienced veterinarians. X-rays (radiography) and MRIs are tools that can help diagnose a musculoskeletal condition, however the source of the pain must first be localized. Therefore, a thorough history including the owner’s assessment of changes in the cat’s behavior and activities is essential for a diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders and pain in the cat.
Changes in the cat’s daily habits that might indicate the cat is in pain include hiding, decreased grooming or excessive licking of a painful area, increased aggression when handled or agitation toward another pet and avoidance of using the litter-box (house-soiling). In addition, the cat’s mobility and activity level may be affected by the musculoskeletal condition and associated pain. Caregivers therefore may see a decrease in the cat’s willingness to jump up or down on obstacles, difficulty going up or down stairs, stiffness, less activity, increase in time spent sleeping and reluctance to play.
- Hardje E M, Roe S C, Martin F R Radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease in geriatric cats: 100 cases 1994-1997; J Am Vet Med Assoc 2002; 220; 628-32
- Lascelles BDX, Thomson Sumrell A, Henry III JB, Brown J, Simpson W, Wheeler S, Hansen BD, Robertson I, Zamprogno H, Freire M, Pease A. Cross-sectional study evaluating the prevalence of radiographic degenerative joint disease in domesticated cats. Veterinary Surgery 2010;39: 535-44.