Osteochondrosis is a serious disease that affects the joints. Characterized by cartilage degeneration and joint inflammation. Osteochondrosis affects animals older than five years; in rare cases, the disease is detected in kittens from the sixth month of life. Osteochondrosis occurs most often in the following breeds:

• munchkin (short-legged cat);
• exotic;
• Persian;
• extreme;
• Balenesian;
• Scottish lop-eared
• and genetically related.

Osteochondrosis is manifested by ossification of cartilage with further destruction of the joint. The most commonly affected joints are the shoulder, elbow, knee and hock joints. The spine is affected along with the limbs.

The incidence of the disease varies greatly from year to year. So, in 1994, about 8% of sick cats suffered from osteochondrosis, in 1997 only 0.2%, and in 2013 about 6%.

Main features

Symptoms of osteochondrosis in cats develop slowly. The animal is reluctant to get up; Movements should be careful for a few minutes after getting up. The affected joints are enlarged. Touching sore joints is painful. The cat rarely changes body positions, even uncomfortable ones. Sitting down, he rolls over to one side and props himself up with his hind paw. They rise from a sitting position with obvious effort.

When the spine is damaged, mobility decreases. The movements of the hind legs are poorly coordinated with the front ones. When the hind legs are affected, the volume of the muscles on them is greatly reduced.

Disease affecting the joints

In severe cases, the animal's movements become economical. After a few months, the cat loses control of its hind legs. Sensitivity of the limbs is preserved.

Causes and development

The main reasons for the development of osteochondrosis are:

• breed tendency;
• excess vitamin A.
• injuries;
• excess weight;
• excessive physical activity, especially on rough terrain;
• hypothermia.

Breed predisposition affects the formation of bones and connective tissue in the body. Connective tissue cells grow more slowly than normal and produce fewer fibrous fibers. In about a third of cases of osteochondrosis, the main influence is the hereditary transmission of the disease.

Excess vitamin A leads to changes in the structure of bones and cartilage. The synthesis of important components of bone and cartilage tissue increases: sulfoglycans and chondroitinsulfuric acid. The components are sent to the bones. The cartilages that form the joint grow, and their nutrition deteriorates. This mechanism for the development of osteochondrosis in cats is the main one.

Excess calcium in the diet contributes to the development of osteochondrosis with an increased amount of vitamins A and E in the feed. The mineral is sent to the bones and deposited. Over time, the bones cannot accommodate the constant supply of mineral. Only a small part of calcium can be removed. It has to be “stored” further, and calcium is sent to the cartilage of the joints, which are actively supplied with blood. The cartilage grows and turns into bone tissue.

Joint injuries damage cartilage. Subsequent inflammation is characterized by swelling and increased blood circulation. The swelling puts pressure on the joint. Pressure increases on damaged cartilage. The increase in blood circulation lasts too short to ensure full restoration of the joint.

Excessive physical activity tires the muscles. Movements deviate from the norm. The load inside the joints changes. The nutrition of the cartilage changes, hence its ability to recover and elasticity.

Hypothermia of the joints disrupts blood circulation in the joint and damages the cartilage. Both hypothermia on the street and indoors where the dog is kept are dangerous. In rooms, hypothermia of the joints occurs when using foam rubber bedding or drafts.

As a result of these reasons, the formation of cartilage slows down and then stops. Blood capillaries become overgrown. At the same time, the cartilage thickens, and its connection with surrounding tissues is disrupted. Resistance to loads decreases.

Cartilage cells die. The vacated space is filled with calcium salts. Maintaining physical activity at the same level leads to cartilage separation. As a result of cell death, active enzymes are released and the inner surface of the joint is damaged. Inflammation begins.

Joint mobility decreases. Every movement causes pain, the animal strives to take one position. As a result of limited mobility, some muscles degrade. Over the course of several years, the affected joints are destroyed. With osteochondrosis of the spine in cats, the canal where the spinal cord is located narrows. The nerves running in it are compressed, disrupted, and then the movements of the paws stop. The vertebrae fuse together, and low-grade inflammation begins. This case of ostochondrosis is called ankylosing spondylosis.

The most commonly affected joints are the shoulder, elbow, knee and hock joints.

Treatment

Long-term, carried out by an experienced veterinarian. The choice of medications and procedures depends on the condition of the animal and the stage of the disease. For spinal lesions with spinal cord damage, treatment should begin within the next few hours. Nerves die very quickly, and it is impossible to restore their function on the third day from the onset of symptoms.

The procedures are aimed at:

• reduction of pain;
• restoration of cartilage tissue;
• relieving inflammation.

Reduction of pain is achieved by using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Indomethacin, nimesulide or similar drugs are used. In the first 2 - 3 days, injections are given, then tablets are prescribed. In some cases, homeopathic preparations are used, for example, traumeel in combination with coenzyme compositum.

Restoring cartilage tissue requires a set of measures. The diet must be reviewed: the proportion of foods containing vitamin A and calcium is reduced. Complexes of omega-3 and omega-6 unsaturated acids are added. It is these complexes that are involved in the restoration of cartilage tissue. Manganese and zinc are introduced into the diet, stabilizing cartilage cells. Additionally, B vitamins and ascorbic acid are prescribed, which improve cartilage restoration. Warming up with a blue lamp, dry heating pads, and massage give good results.

Relief of inflammation is achieved by using NSAIDs and hormones. Of the latter, cortisone and similar medications are used. The outcome of treatment for osteochondrosis in cats in the later stages is difficult to predict.

If you notice lameness in your cat, if your animal has stiff movements or joint pain, contact your veterinarian immediately. In the early stages, feline osteochondrosis can be stopped. In severe cases, the disease becomes chronic and courses of medication are needed 2-3 times a year.

It may seem incredible, but for a full life, a cat needs about fifty types of nutrients, minerals and vitamins.
In this case, the balance of these substances is extremely important. At different periods of life, a cat's need for nutrients is different.

Substances that a cat receives from food can be divided into several groups:
1. Essential nutrients: fats, proteins, carbohydrates
2. Vitamins (water-soluble and fat-soluble)
3. Minerals

And so today the topic of our conversation is vitamins, why they are good and... how to deal with them.
Currently, over 30 vitamins are known. They are designated by capital letters of the Latin alphabet: A, B, C, etc.
It would seem banal information that is known to everyone. Unfortunately, not everyone knows what consequences a deficiency or excess of any nutrient can cause for a cat.
It must be said that, first of all, what is said below should be taken into account by owners who prefer to feed their pets “natural products”, thus taking on the responsibility of providing for the cat.
It should also be noted that hypovitaminosis (vitamin deficiency) can sometimes be not only a consequence of an unbalanced diet, but also when the cat’s need for vitamins changes due to various reasons: high physical or nervous stress, low or high air temperature, and also during the lambing period , feeding kittens. Therefore, if your cat’s living conditions change, you should choose the right food in time.
Hypovitaminosis, in addition, can develop as a result of disruption of the gastrointestinal tract in the presence of helminths in the intestines, during or after suffering from various infectious diseases, during the treatment of which the cat received antibiotics and sulfa drugs, which, due to their chemical structure, contribute to the breakdown of vitamins in the body animal.

Vitamin A (a group of substances derived from retinol) belongs to the group of fat-soluble vitamins.
The richest foods in vitamin A are fish oil, liver and egg yolk. Unlike dogs, cats cannot absorb vitamin A from plant foods.
The role of vitamin A for cats is enormous. The importance of vitamin A for vision, primarily for vision in the dark, is widely known. A manifestation of deficiency (hypovitaminosis A) or absence (vitaminosis A) is a progressive impairment of the cat's adaptation to the dark. Vitamin A is also involved in growth processes (it is necessary for bone growth). If there is insufficient vitamin A intake, the development of kittens is impaired. Vitamin A is necessary for the process of spermatogenesis and for the intrauterine development of the fetus.
With insufficient intake of vitamin A from food, adult cats lose weight, develop muscle weakness, poor coordination of movements, yellowish-brown discharge from the eyes, and conjunctivitis.
Dry skin, dull fur, and sometimes baldness are observed.
To establish a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to evaluate the cat’s lifestyle and health, and evaluate known clinical symptoms.
A definitive diagnosis can be made by analyzing serum vitamin A levels. A vitamin A content of 200 IU/100 ml allows us to draw a conclusion about vitamin deficiency.
If hypovitaminosis A is suspected, it is necessary to introduce foods rich in vitamin A or a complex of vitamins into the cat’s diet. It should be remembered that an overdose of vitamin A also has an extremely undesirable effect on the cat’s health.

Marina Lebedeva, veterinarian

Hypervitaminosis A or spondylosis deformans in cats

A cat's daily requirement for vitamin A is approximately 1600-2000 IU.
Due to the fact that cats do not absorb carotene well, liver is often added to their food as a source of vitamin A. Cats are very picky eaters. Some people really like liver and refuse to eat anything other than this product. Hypervitaminosis occurs as a result of excess intake of vitamin A. With hypervitaminosis A, the functions of cells that produce bone tissue and bone tissue cells are disrupted, resulting in degenerative changes (from the Latin degenero - degeneration) in the cartilaginous and epiphyseal plates (tissues of the terminal sections of long bones.) In young cats, this leads to decreased growth tubular bones of the paws, respectively, the development of short stature.
In older cats, bone or osteocartilaginous growths of a non-tumor nature form on the surface of the bone - exostoses. The animal's condition may worsen due to concomitant changes (fatty degeneration) of internal organs, especially the liver.
The disease is also characterized by degenerative changes and proliferation of tissue of the vertebral bodies, as well as long tubular bones of the extremities. As a consequence, a chronic degenerative change in the intervertebral joints of the cat develops (spondylosis), which usually affects the cervical and thoracic spine. Clinically, the disease manifests itself at the age of 2-10 years. Cats may experience lethargy, impaired mobility of the hind limbs, and lameness in one or both forelimbs. An increase in the volume of bone tissue and sclerosis with damage to the spinal cord and nerves may also be observed. When palpated, the neck muscles are tense and painful, and mobility in the affected area is impaired.
As a result of increased pressure on the spinal nerves, local pain occurs in the cervicothoracic spine.
When conducting a neurological examination, it is possible to establish symptoms of damage to the nerve roots of the brachial plexus.
X-rays reveal the formation of bone tissue growths on the vertebral bodies.
Sick cats often have a very unkempt appearance due to pain during grooming. Some people may experience voice changes due to the pressure of enlarged vertebral bodies on the larynx.
Injuries can provoke the development of manifestations of the disease.
A high dose of vitamin A over several months or years will inevitably lead to the development of cervical epistosis.
The prognosis of the disease is unfavorable. Changes in diet can stop the growth of bone tissue, but previously occurring changes remain for life. The radiographic picture remains unchanged.

Treatment
When treating cats with hypervitaminosis A, the main purpose is diet correction. First of all, you should exclude foods rich in vitamin A from your diet.
You can prescribe the drug quadrisol (well tolerated by cats). For severe pain, physiotherapy.

Intervertebral disc disease is a very important topic of conversation; This disease is very common in dogs.

In cats, these pathologies are observed extremely rarely. In identified cases, damage to the cervical region of the spinal cord is more often observed. Among age groups, animals over 15 years of age are most susceptible to the disease.

Retrospective study of wild cats kept in foreign zoos in 1976-1996. (13 lions, 16 tigers, 4 leopards, 1 snow leopard and 3 jaguars), showed that intervertebral disc disease is a serious problem among large cats. Eight animals (three lions, four tigers and one leopard) were diagnosed with degenerative pathologies of the spine, manifested by a progressive decrease in activity, ataxia, moderately severe atrophy and chronic paresis of the muscles of the limbs.

The age of patients at the initial stage ranged from 10 to 19 years (average age 18 years).

Often the lesions were multiple, the lesions consisted of a mineralized intervertebral disc and/or herniation with partial destruction of the disc. Most of the damage was found in the lumbar, cervical and thoracic spine.

Reported spondylosis was present in cats apparently prone to vertebral instability. After histological examination of the spinal cord, five of the six animals were found to have acute or chronic spinal cord injury caused by disc herniation.

Clinical case
A 5-year-old cat was admitted to the clinic with symptoms of central paralysis (upper motor neuron damage), grade 5 neurological disorders. Myelography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed, based on the results of which a diagnosis of L2-L3 type II disc herniation according to Hansen was established (Fig. 1). At the owners' request, euthanasia was performed. At the autopsy, the diagnosis was confirmed; the spinal cord in the area of ​​the lesion was liquefied.

LITERATURE

1. Hoeriein B.F The status of the various intervertebral disc surgeries for the dog in 1978, J, Am, Anim, Hosp, Assoc, 1978, v. 14, p. 563-570.
2. King A.S., Swith R.N. A comparison of the anatomy of the interverbral disc in dog and man, Brit, Vet, J, 1955, v, 3, p, 135-149, 3, Lohze C, L "BadaY.M. Comparative anatomy of the interverbral disc and related structures in the cat and Jaguar. J, Anat, Histol. Embriol. 1985, v, 11, p, 334-342. 4,SmithP,M„JefferyN,D.Whatisyourdiagnosis? A case of intervertebral disc protrusion in a cat. J. Small Anim. Pract, 2006, v, 47,104 p.

V.V. SOTNIKOV, veterinarian, Clinic of Neurology, Traumatology and Intensive Care of Dr. Sotnikov, St. Petersburg

from the Veterinary Association BUT: let your animals be healthy!

Most cats are very agile, agile animals, but despite this, their joints, ligaments and bones can suffer unexpected damage in an accident, and they can also wear out and tear from age. However, due to the lightness of cats, their sense of balance, ability to land on all fours, and natural “shock absorbers” (cats’ front legs are not connected to the rest of the skeleton), cats do not suffer from orthopedic disorders, as one might think. Therefore, orthopedic problems in cats are more likely to arise as a result of road accidents.
Arthritis.
Cats can suffer from different types of arthritis, which literally means "inflammation of the joints." However, arthritis is a much more complex disease than simple inflammation, so its name is not entirely correct. For example, osteoarthritis causes new bone to grow around a moving joint and damage the smooth cartilage that covers and protects the ends of the bones in that joint. By the way, the tissues surrounding the joint may not be inflamed.
Causes.
The following are the forms of arthritis that cats most commonly suffer from:
- traumatic arthritis (sprain). It can be caused by a sudden injury to the joint, which could be caused by a collision with a moving car, a fight, or an unfortunate fall. When a joint is damaged, the soft tissue surrounding it can tear or stretch. The bones of the joint and the cartilage that protects them may also be damaged;
- osteoarthritis. According to experts, osteoarthritis occurs when a joint has lost mobility for some reason. The shoulder and elbow joints are most commonly affected by osteoarthritis in older cats. It can also be caused by cases of traumatic arthritis (resulting from the cat's mobility), dislocations and fractures affecting the joints that have occurred in the past and due to which the joints have become more susceptible to wear and tear.
General symptoms.
The following symptoms may occur with traumatic arthritis:
- swollen joint. A painful joint, the cat limps on the sore paw and does not allow you to touch the sore joint.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis include the following:
- lameness and restricted movements (at first these symptoms are barely noticeable, but over time they become more and more obvious). Typically, lameness and stiffness appear after rest, and can disappear literally after a few minutes when the cat moves. Stiffness may worsen in cold and damp weather;
- visible enlargement of the joint (due to the growth of bone tissue on it);
- sudden or worsening lameness when a sprain is suddenly added to an osteoarthritis-affected joint.
How serious is this?
Traumatic arthritis in a joint caused by spraining will undoubtedly cause short-term pain, but it does not pose a serious danger to the animal. But when a cat collides with a moving car or bicycle, the situation is much more serious - such a collision can result in a fracture of the joint bones, which will require surgical intervention. The severity of osteoarthritis depends on its cause and the severity of each case, which joints are affected, and the cat's overall health. An obese cat will always suffer from arthritis more than a normal cat. Arthritis is a painful disease, so it must be treated with due attention.
Cats are at risk.
Any cat can suffer from arthritis. However, most often it affects those animals that lead an active lifestyle.
Your actions.
If your cat suddenly starts limping, you should take appropriate action. If your cat is limping from time to time, if she is stiff in her movements after resting, if she has become less mobile and dexterous lately, be sure to show her to the veterinarian. Don't wait until your cat is limping constantly: if she has osteoarthritis, the sooner you know about it, the sooner you can take steps to slow the progression of the disease. When you tell the veterinarian about all the symptoms that worry you, he will carefully examine the cat both in motion and at rest. The doctor will also feel the animal's sore joints to see if they are painful. Once the veterinarian has determined which joint(s) are affected by arthritis, he will order further tests, which will likely include x-rays; he may also take a puncture of the joint fluid.
Treatment.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the disease. Sudden, uncomplicated arthritis, such as a simple sprain, will easily heal with a few days of rest and a short course of anti-inflammatory drugs; More severe cases of traumatic arthritis will require a support bandage. Treatment for a cat found to have osteoarthritis will likely consist of the following:
- taking anti-inflammatory drugs. Ideally, medications will only be needed for a short time to get your cat moving. You should not treat medications as a miracle drug, after a course of which the cat’s stiffness in the movements disappears. In most cases, medications only help relieve pain and should only be used as an adjunct to weight control and good exercise;
- diet. Weight control is an important part of treating any type of arthritis. If your cat is obese, you should follow the advice of your veterinarian, who will advise you on how to help your cat lose weight;
- exercises. It is very difficult to get a cat to move, but with osteoarthritis, exercise will certainly bring relief to a sick animal. She needs to exercise little but often, so be prepared to wake your cat when she's sleeping and encourage her to walk. Don't let her sleep in one place for a long time;
- surgical intervention. Possibly with osteoarthritis. However, some cases of traumatic arthritis also require surgical intervention.
Since osteoarthritis is a progressive disease, in each case the course of treatment must be repeated from time to time.
Aftercare.
The cat must be kept warm. A course of physical therapy and massage of sore joints will also help: ask your veterinarian to show you how to massage a sick cat.

- aromatherapy. For massage you can use juniper, birch, pine, thyme, turpentine tree and rosemary;
- homeopathy. The following drugs can be given (usually in a dose for chronic diseases): Acid. sal. - for rheumatic pain in “small” joints; Apis mel. (dose for acute forms) - for sudden inflammation of the joint, accompanied by a tumor; Bryonia - for dry, stiff, “crackling” joints; Calc. carb. - for an obese, sedentary, apathetic cat; Causticum - for an old, demented cat with stiff joints; Caulophyllum - for arthritis in the knee, patellar tendon and other “small” joints; Rhus. tox. - a “classic” remedy for typical symptoms, for example, worsening in cold, damp weather and after a long rest;
- herbal medicine. Pyrethrum, devil's claw, comfrey, yucca, bedstraw, burdock, yarrow, alfalfa, willow bark and herbs with “green leaves” (nettle, parsley, dandelion and watercress) can be given as an infusion. Many are sold in tablet form;
- Bach flower essences. Wild apple is an excellent remedy for cleansing joints of toxins. The hornbeam will give the cat strength;
- acupuncture. Arthritis responds particularly well to this type of treatment;
- minor therapies and biochemical salts. Ferr. phos. (acute dose) is suitable for a sudden, acute attack of arthritis; Calc. fluor. (dose for chronic forms) is used for chronic arthritis. Royal jelly (a product of worker bees) and fish oil, added regularly to a cat's food, will help relieve arthritis symptoms;
- Chinese medicine. Cinnamon is recommended (1/4 tsp powder, given once a week);
- crystals and precious stones. Ruby (as an infusion) can be given by mouth or added to drinking water;
- osteopathy and chiropractic. Some forms of arthritis, especially those related to the spine, are very well treated with these two methods;
- nutritional supplements. The following additives are effective: brown algae; apple cider vinegar 5 ml (1 tsp) per 600 ml of drinking water; vitamin C (250 mg daily); fish oil (300 mg daily for 1 week, once a month); green mussel extract (half the human dose); B-complex vitamins (10 mg per day); vitamin E (50 units per day). Royal jelly is incredibly beneficial: 100 mg should be given to the cat every day. For arthritis, a copper collar may be helpful.
Displacements (dislocations) of joints.
Displacements (or dislocations, as they are more commonly called) occur when two or more articular ends of bones are displaced beyond their normal range of motion, sometimes causing the articular capsule and ligaments to rupture and the articular end of one of the bones to come out of the capsule. More commonly, cats suffer from dislocations of the hip, stifle (knee), wrist, ankle, or jaw.
Causes.
Most often, dislocations occur in cats as a result of trauma. This kind of injury occurs when a cat, for example, gets into a traffic accident, when it jumps unsuccessfully or falls from a great height.
How serious is this?
If the dislocation is not treated in time, the cat will suffer from pain and immobility of the affected joint for a long time.
Cats are at risk.
All cats are at risk of getting dislocated, but those that lead a very active lifestyle are more susceptible to such injuries than others.
General symptoms.
The exact symptoms of a dislocation depend on which joint is affected and whether the cat has other injuries. For example, tendons and ligaments, as well as muscles, can be damaged when bones become misaligned. Other symptoms include the following:
- if a joint in a limb is dislocated, the cat will most likely not be able to lean on the affected limb;
- with a dislocated jaw, the cat will not be able to close its mouth;
- a dislocation can be only one of several injuries (even if these injuries are just scratches). For example, if a cat's jaw is dislocated, the cat's nose or mouth may bleed or a tooth (or teeth) may be broken;
- many cats somehow manage to get home, even if they are in a serious accident. You can come home and see a calmly sleeping cat. It won’t even occur to you that something happened to her. Therefore, only after some time, noticing that the animal does not move for a long time, you will understand that something is wrong with the cat;
- they say that cats that are involved in a road accident often have broken claws.
Your actions.
If your cat has been injured in any accident (or you think she has been), contact your veterinarian immediately, even if she does not appear to be seriously injured. The veterinarian will carefully examine the animal in order to determine the cause and extent of possible damage, as well as to check whether it has invisible, but more serious injuries. You should be prepared for your veterinarian to recommend a full X-ray examination of your cat.
Treatment.
A dislocated joint is usually not life-threatening, so your veterinarian may delay treatment if cats have other, more serious problems that require immediate medical attention:
- reduction of hip dislocation. After administering anesthesia, the veterinarian will try to set the round end of the femur into its socket, located in the pelvic bone. After this, the cat will need to lead a sedentary lifestyle for 4 weeks, and for the first week you will have to strictly limit all its movements. If after this time, or shortly after returning to normal activities, the cat experiences a new misalignment of the femur, the veterinarian may decide to perform surgery to fix the ends of the bones in the joint or remove the round end of the femur. In the latter case, a new, “false” joint will grow between the end of the femur and the pelvic bone;
- setting a sprained knee, wrist or ankle. Displacement of these joints is usually treated with surgery. Your veterinarian may need to insert metal pins into the bones to keep them in place;
- realignment of a dislocated jaw. One or both of the moving jaw joints on either side of the cat's face may become displaced. After administering anesthesia, the veterinarian will place a small stick in the cat’s mouth, which will serve as a kind of support for the lower jaw when the veterinarian puts the joint in place.
Aftercare.
Your cat will need special care at home while she recovers from a sprain or other injury. You should not let her go outside until she has fully recovered, and it is best to keep her in a cage for the first time, where she will rest for a long time. You will also have to take your cat for examination to a veterinary center to have an x-ray taken, which will show the condition of the reduced joint, and also to surgically remove the metal pins temporarily inserted into the bones.
Treatment with alternative medicine methods:
- homeopathy. Let's alternate Rhus tax. and Ruta grav. (at a dose for chronic forms);
- minor therapies and biochemical salts. Calc can help. fluor (dose for acute diseases);
- nutritional supplements. Vitamin C is widely known for its role in accelerating the healing process of damaged tissue and strengthening the joint; it will help prevent re-dislocation. Add 250 mg of vitamin C to your cat's food every day.
Fractures.
A bone is considered broken if it is cracked, splintered, bent, crushed, or broken into two or more pieces. A so-called simple or closed fracture is one in which the skin remains unbroken. In a complex or open fracture, the skin is torn over the site of bone damage. Although cats most often break their paw bones due to their active lifestyle, any bone can be broken, including the skull, jaw, rib cage, spine, humerus, and pelvis.
General symptoms.
Symptoms of a fracture depend on the number and types of bones broken. Common symptoms include the following:
- visible lacerations (bone fragments may be visible through them);
- noticeable swelling of the tissues surrounding the fracture site;
- unusual behavior caused by severe pain. The cat may become suddenly aggressive when touched (if the pain is very severe, the cat may purr continuously);
- external changes in the injured part of the body;
- the cat cannot use the affected part of the body (it drags its broken paw); a serious fracture of the pelvic bones or spine can lead to paralysis; If more than one leg is broken, the cat cannot stand.
Causes.
Most fractures occur from direct damage to a bone or bones from road accidents or bad falls. A cat's bones can be damaged if it is stepped on or pushed by another animal, if it has a sudden muscle cramp for some reason, or if it is shot. Even with normal movements, bones can break if the cat is weakened by some other disease (for example, if it has cancer).
How serious is this?
The technique of bone (orthopedic) operations performed on cats is very high. As a result, almost all fractures will heal, but depending on the severity of the fracture, the cat may have some mobility loss. In a serious accident, a fracture may be just one of several injuries that damage vital organs, blood vessels, and nerves.
Cats are at risk.
All cats are at risk of breaking bones, especially if they walk along busy roads and lead an active lifestyle. Cats with weaker bones, such as the smallest kittens or cats with other bone diseases such as cancer, may be more susceptible to fractures than others.
Your actions.
If your cat is involved in any road accident, contact your veterinarian immediately. The doctor will examine the animal, even if at first glance there are no visible signs of serious injury. You must pay close attention to any signs that indicate a possible fracture, so only a veterinarian can tell you whether your cat's bones are affected or not. You may have to give your cat first aid. The doctor will carefully examine the cat and ask for x-rays of the damaged bones. If a cat has serious, multiple wounds, the veterinarian will most likely focus on saving the animal first and will only address the fracture if it is life-threatening. If he concludes that the fracture is not very dangerous, then perhaps he will only apply a temporary bandage to the affected bone or put the cat in a small cage so that it cannot move. Serious attention to broken bones will be possible when the cat's condition is more stable. Your veterinarian may give your cat pain medication and prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
Treatment.
A broken bone will heal on its own, provided that the broken pieces have been placed in the correct position. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to correctly position the bone fragments and immobilize them. The closer the fragments are pulled together, the sooner the bone will heal. Veterinarians usually use the following techniques to treat a fracture:
- external manipulations. They are used to bring the ends of a broken bone together, trying to bring it to its normal position. After this, a plaster cast or splint is usually applied to the broken bone to prevent movement of the fragments. True, this technique is applicable only in cases of simple fractures of the bones of the hind or front legs;
- use of a metal pin. It is performed surgically. In this case, a pin(s) are inserted into the hollow part of the broken bones in order to bring the two largest fragments together. Sometimes these fragments are wrapped with wire on top so that they do not move apart, and also to attach smaller fragments to them;
- fixation of bone fragments. Bone fragments can be fixed in their normal position using special screws;
- metal plates. They are screwed onto two (or more) pieces of bone in order to fasten them together;
- thin pins fix the bone through the skin. The bone fragments can be firmly secured in their normal position using thin pins inserted into the skin. The pins are very carefully brought to the bone, carefully choosing the correct position, and then secured from the outside, constructing something like metal “scaffolding”. When the bone heals, the metal structure is removed.
Some types of fractures, such as pelvic fractures, cannot be treated with surgery at all: the veterinarian may decide that surgery not only will not help, but will add unnecessary problems to the cat. In such cases, the cat is usually locked in a small cage for several weeks so that the broken bone does not experience stress and heals naturally. The healing time of fractures depends on the age of the cat (in a young cat, a broken bone can heal completely in 6 weeks, while in an old animal it will take up to 4 months) and on how close and firmly the bone fragments are brought together. Two bone fragments usually heal faster than several bone fragments. Infection can affect the time it takes for bones to heal.
Aftercare.
Depending on the severity of the fracture and your cat's condition, she may be kept at the veterinary center for as little as the day of surgery, or for several days or even weeks. When your cat comes home, you will need to give her medications, keep her bandages clean and dry, and follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding exercise for your cat. You will also have to take your cat to the veterinarian again for an x-ray to show how the fracture is healing. Any metal parts can be left in place, but the veterinarian may remove pins, screws, plates and wires if they become bothersome over time.
Treatment with alternative medicine methods:
- homeopathy. Arnica will reduce hematoma and tissue damage; Symphytum will speed up healing (both in acute doses);
- herbal medicine. Comfrey can be given as an infusion daily for 2 weeks to promote healing;
- acupuncture. This method often produces excellent results;
- minor therapies and biochemical salts. Calc. fluor. when alternating with Salc. phos. (dose for chronic forms) will speed up healing and strengthen bones;
- nutritional supplements. As with a dislocated joint (see above), adding vitamin C to the food of a cat suffering from a fracture will promote a speedy recovery; 250 mg should be given daily.
Lameness.
A cat is considered lame if it cannot walk normally or is unable to bear weight on one or more paws.
General symptoms.
Common symptoms depend on the severity of each case and your cat's condition, but they include:
- the cat tries to shift weight from the sore paw;
- uneven gait;
- external changes in the sore paw;
- the cat does not allow you to touch it;
- The cat constantly licks its sore paw.
Causes.
Lameness is, rather, not an independent disease, but a symptom of other, hidden diseases, most of which cause pain to the cat. Lameness can be caused by foreign bodies such as thorns or grass seeds embedded in the paw pads, cuts or other wounds from fighting with other cats, arthritis, broken bones, cat bites and abscesses, diseases of the nails, and nerves that could affect on paw sensitivity or muscle tone.
Your actions.
If your cat suddenly becomes lame or is unable to rest on a sore paw, place her in a travel basket (carrier) where she will be warm, cozy and calm, and then contact your veterinarian. If your cat is limping slightly, try to determine which paw is on. In most cases of sudden lameness, only one limb of the animal is injured. If you cannot immediately determine which paw is causing the lameness, leave the cat at home and observe it for a while. If your cat is barely limping on her front (or back) paw, it will be easier to determine which of the two is bothering her if you notice which paw she is limping on. It is this paw that is healthy. It will seem to you that the cat is leaning on her with its whole body, because it will try to transfer the weight from the sore limb to the healthy one. Once you have determined which paw is causing pain to your cat, carefully examine it, starting with the claws. To protect yourself from being bitten or scratched, have someone help you hold your cat. Your goal is to determine exactly which part (or parts) of the paw is bothering the animal. When you touch a painful area, you will immediately understand this by the cat’s reaction. If you doubt that you have found a sore spot, try examining the same part of the other paw and watch the animal's reaction. If the reaction is the same as when you touch a sore paw, it means that you have not yet been able to find the sore spot. If you still managed to determine which place on the paw is painful, pay attention to the following:
- foreign body. If you find a foreign body (such as a thorn), you can either remove it yourself or have someone hold your cat and then try to carefully remove the foreign body using tweezers. If you manage to do this, soak the affected paw in warm salt water for a few minutes, then rinse it with a veterinary disinfectant solution, and then dry it thoroughly. Do not let your cat go outside for several days and inspect the wound frequently. If it is swollen, if your cat licks it a lot and often, or if the lameness does not go away, contact your veterinarian;
- cut or other wound. Look for puncture wounds on your cat's body from bites. You can treat these wounds using first aid techniques;
- painful or swollen joint. Apply a cold compress (a piece of cloth soaked in ice water) to relieve swelling.
If you can't find a visible cause for the lameness, but the symptoms don't seem too serious, have your cat rest for 24 hours and then monitor her. If lameness persists, contact your veterinarian. If you were able to find the cause of the lameness, but it did not go away after first aid and 24-hour rest, also contact a veterinary center. If the lameness has improved, leave the cat at home until she stops limping. The veterinarian will determine which paw is damaged and examine it carefully. He may need to realign the dislocated joint and have x-rays taken and nerve reflexes checked if necessary.
Treatment.
Treatment for lameness depends on its cause.
Sprains.
Muscle sprains, ligament inflammation and other minor injuries that are treated with support bandages in humans become a tragedy for cats; After all, they immediately begin to move the sore paw and further aggravate the injury. However, natural medicine can come to the rescue here too.
Symptoms
Lameness, pain, and sometimes obvious swelling of the damaged area.
Treatment:
- aromatherapy. Rosemary, juniper or birch oils can be rubbed into the injury site;
- homeopathy. Arnica (dose for acute forms) should be given as soon as possible, followed by Ruta grav. (dose for chronic forms). Rhus tox. (dose for chronic forms) is useful for persistent lameness that begins after a sprain;
- herbal medicine. Mallow infusion will help relieve pain;
- acupuncture. A course of acupuncture often gives a quick effect, reduces discomfort and swelling, and speeds up recovery;
- subordinate types of therapy and biochemical salts. Ferr. phos. alternately with Nat. phos. (acute dose) - ideal remedy for recent sprains; Mag. phos. when alternating with Salc. phos. (dose for chronic forms) is suitable for the treatment of old sprains;
- T-massage. A course of T-massage, like acupuncture, will relieve pain and speed up recovery.
Myositis.
Myositis (muscle inflammation) is a painful condition that can be caused by infection, injury, or immune system disease. It can affect all muscles, and in particularly severe forms, the jaw muscles.
Symptoms
Sore muscles become swollen and hard, and hurt when touched.
Treatment:
- homeopathy. Aconite (dose for acute forms) is effective only at the early stage of the disease. Following this, Rhus tox should be given. alternately with Bryonia (both drugs in doses for chronic diseases). Causticum (dose for chronic forms) will eliminate residual muscle stiffness;
- herbal medicine. Pyrethrum is best given as fresh leaves (1 fresh leaf 3 times daily), although many cats do not like the bitter taste;
- subordinate types of therapy and biochemical salts. Ferr. phos. (acute dose) will help if given at an early stage of the disease; it will be followed by Nat. phos. alternately with Mag. phos. (both in doses for chronic forms);
- Chinese medicine. Black soybeans can be given in the form of infusions.
Spondylosis.
This disease is caused by a defect in the interarticular arch of the vertebra. It fuses with an adjacent vertebra and can put pressure on nerves, causing pain and impaired nerve function. Spondylosis usually occurs in older cats. The cause is usually unknown, but may be due to excess vitamin A in the diet.
Symptoms
The back hurts and does not bend, weakness or paralysis of one or more limbs.
Treatment:
- homeopathy. Hypericum (in doses for chronic conditions) is effective for pain resulting from pressure of the vertebrae on the nerves; Causticum is useful for "twitching" pains and stiffness of the joints in an old cat;
- acupuncture. This treatment often promotes recovery;
- minor therapies and biochemical salts. Taking Calc.fluor. should be alternated with taking Calc. phos. (both in doses for chronic conditions);
- osteopathy and chiropractic. These manipulative therapies are very helpful in most cases of spondylosis.
Osteomyelitis.
This is an internal infection of the bones. Because intraosseous disease is difficult to treat with antibiotics, the disease can be very serious and difficult to treat. This may be a consequence of a bone fracture.
Symptoms
Pain, heat and swelling; Sometimes pus may be discharged.
Treatment:
- homeopathy. Aconite (in acute doses) is effective in the early stages, especially when the temperature rises. Hepar. sulph. (in doses for acute conditions) it is a good anti-infective agent;
- subordinate types of therapy and biochemical salts. Taking Salc. fluor. should be alternated with taking Calc. phos. (both in doses for chronic conditions). If intraosseous infection continues, Calc should be added to the first two salts. sulph. at the same dosage. Once the infection begins to subside, Calc may be suitable for the more obese cat. carb., a Calc. phos. will help strengthen the bones of a smaller cat (both medications should be given in doses for chronic conditions).
Osteoporosis.
Thinning bones in cats are unlikely to be explained by a lack of estrogen in the body (as in humans), but rather by other metabolic functions. However, the result is similar. Osteoporosis can be caused by excess phosphorus and lack of calcium and (or) protein in the diet, chronic renal failure, low mobility, resulting in weakening of bones and joints.
Symptoms
Clear reluctance to move, general weakness and increased susceptibility to bone fractures.
Treatment:
- homeopathy. The following remedies are beneficial (all in doses for acute forms): Salc. carb. for large cats prone to obesity; Calc. phos. - for a thinner and more active cat; Silicea - to strengthen the skeleton;
- herbal medicine. Comfrey is also known by another name - “bone builder” and, as this name implies, has long been known as a means of healing and strengthening bones. To achieve maximum effect, this plant should be given as an infusion once a week for one and a half months;
- subordinate types of therapy and biochemical salts. Taking Salc. fluor. should be alternated with taking Calc. phos. (both in doses for chronic conditions).

Dogs of chondrodystrophic breeds are more often susceptible to intervertebral disc disease - dachshunds, Pekingese, French bulldogs, shitsu, beagles, as well as their crosses. Disc herniations in the thoracolumbar region are the most common cause of neurological disorders in dogs and occur in 84-86% of clinical cases of disc disease.

In cats, these pathologies are observed extremely rarely. In identified cases, damage to the cervical region of the spinal cord is more often observed. Among age groups, animals over 15 years of age are most susceptible to the disease.

Retrospective study of wild cats kept in foreign zoos in 1976-1996. (13 lions, 16 tigers, 4 leopards, 1 snow leopard and 3 jaguars), showed that intervertebral disc disease is a serious problem among large cats. Eight animals (three lions, four tigers and one leopard) were diagnosed with degenerative pathologies of the spine, manifested by a progressive decrease in activity, ataxia, moderately severe atrophy and chronic paresis of the muscles of the limbs.

The age of patients at the initial stage ranged from 10 to 19 years (average age 18 years).

Often the lesions were multiple, the lesions consisted of a mineralized intervertebral disc and/or herniation with partial destruction of the disc. Most of the damage was found in the lumbar, cervical and thoracic spine.

Reported spondylosis was present in cats apparently prone to vertebral instability. After histological examination of the spinal cord, five of the six animals were found to have acute or chronic spinal cord injury caused by disc herniation.

Rice. 1. Disc herniation

Clinical case
A 5-year-old cat was admitted to the clinic with symptoms of central paralysis (upper motor neuron damage), grade 5 neurological disorders. Myelography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed, based on the results of which a diagnosis of L2-L3 type II disc herniation according to Hansen was established (Fig. 1). At the owners' request, euthanasia was performed. At the autopsy, the diagnosis was confirmed; the spinal cord in the area of ​​the lesion was liquefied.

LITERATURE
1. Hoeriein B.F The status of the various intervertebral disc surgeries for the dog in 1978, J, Am, Anim, Hosp, Assoc, 1978, v. 14, p. 563-570.
2, King A.S., Swith R.N. A comparison of the anatomy of the interverbral disc in dog and man, Brit, Vet, J, 1955, v, 3, p, 135-149, 3, Lohze C, L "BadaY.M. Comparative anatomy of the interverbral disc and related structures in the cat and Jaguar. J, Anat, Histol. Embriol.
1985, v, 11, p, 334-342. 4,SmithP,M„JefferyN,D.Whatisyourdiagnosis? A case of intervertebral disc protrusion in a cat. J. Small Anim. Pract, 2006, v, 47,104 p.