Page 49 - Complete Cat Care: How To Keep Your Cat Healthy and Happy

Musculoskeletal disorders

The musculoskeletal system comprises bones and joints, cartilage and
connective tissues, and muscles. Common musculoskeletal problems for
cats are fractures and torn ligaments, but they can also develop arthritis.

Signs of a problem
■ Inability to put weight on a leg
■ Crying or hissing when a painful
area is touched
■ Swollen or misshapen body part
■ Inability to jump up onto high
places
■ Stiffness or lameness when
walking 47
■ Reduced activity or reluctance
to move
■ Hiding away
■ Difficulty using a litter pan
■ Reluctance to groom thoroughly

Fractures a leg fracture, the vet may fit a cast △ Looking for injuries
Broken bones in cats are most often or a splint. A serious fracture may Vets commonly use radiographs to assess damage Musculoskeletal disorders
caused by traffic accidents (see need to be secured with implants to bones and joints. The process is painless, but
the cat may be sedated to keep him still.
pp.74–5); other causes include or external fixation.
falls from high places. A break At home, you will need to keep outgrowths form on the bones,
may be closed, with both bone your cat quiet and restrict his leading to pain—especially during
ends inside the skin, or open activity; you may even need to movement—and inflammation.
(compound), with one or both keep him in a wire crate. The vet Arthritis may be due to natural
broken ends protruding through will prescribe pain relief and he aging, previous injury, or a
the skin. The cat may be or she may fit your cat with an developmental disorder. Obesity
unconscious or in shock, or crying Elizabethan collar to stop him from puts extra strain on the joints,
with pain. A fractured limb or tail licking or chewing the area. aggravating arthritis.
may hang limply or at an odd angle. Your vet will feel and move the
Take your cat to the vet Arthritis joint and carry out radiography,
immediately. The vet will check The ends of bones meeting to and may withdraw a small sample
for any internal injuries and take form a joint are covered with of fluid from the joint for tests.
radiographs. The broken bone will smooth cartilage to allow ease Your cat may be referred for MRI
need to be kept immobile for about of movement. In arthritis, the scanning and will probably be
6 weeks, until it has healed. For cartilage wears away and prescribed pain relief; the vet may
also advise dietary supplements
for joint health and recommend a
“Obesity puts extra strain on the joints, diet for weight control. At home,
aggravating arthritis.” you will need to ensure that your
cat can easily reach his food and
water bowls, bed, and litter pan.

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