Diagnosis and Management of Feline Osteoarthritis

This session reviews the diagnosis and nonsurgical management of feline osteoarthritis, with emphasis on multimodal pain management strategies. Differences in the presentation of canine and feline arthritis are discussed, along with species-specific considerations for treatment. Surgical management is addressed briefly. This lecture is intended for practitioners managing arthritic cats in clinical practice.

• The practitioner will recognize the difference in clinical presentation of cats with osteoarthritis compared to the signs seen in dogs
• The practitioner will compose a non-surgical treatment plan for cats diagnosed with osteoarthritis
• The practitioner will recognize the mechanisms behind medical treatments options for cats with osteoarthritis
• The practitioner will develop a sound diet and nutrition plan for managing patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis