Aging feline

Question
Dr. Fry, again I ask for you advice. My 17 year old cat, Chester, is (I think) showing signs of arthritis. Had him to the vet for full blood work up and all was normal.  My vet prescribed Cosequin for cats and he has been on that for several months now and I can see improvement, but was wondering if there were any other treatments that might be of further use. He is slightly unstable when he jumps and does not knead (or what some may call "make bread" with his front paws any longer. This was a very frequent behavior of his.  Also, he grinds his teeth, I know that they need cleaning, but my vet is afraid to chance it at his age, (he also had a small stroke, but is fully recovered). I have put him on antibiotics for his teeth and that works for the two weeks, but then a month later, it is back to the grinding sound when he eats. Thanks, Lisa

Answer
Lisa,

I prefer Glucosamine WITH MSM as a joint supplement as the MSM is a natural anti-inflammatory.  We use Synovi Granules for cats or Glycoflex II---info below...

Synovi-feline Granules (480 gram/120 Doses)

Synovi-feline is a complete feline wellness supplement specially designed for the nutritional needs of cats. Formulated with key vitamins, nutrients, protein and fiber, Synovi-feline is a total dietary supplement for adult cats of all ages.

Synovi-feline contains fiber to maintain digestive regularity, proteins to enhance muscle mass and antioxidants to combat the damaging effects of free radicals. Also supplemented with calcium phosphorus and maganese sulfate for healthy reproductive systems, growth and development. (Part of the Synovi line)

Glucosamine  225mg  
MSM  200mg  
Creatine  125mg  
Perna Canaliculus  75mg  
EPA  45mg  
DHA  30mg  
Vitamin C  2.5mg  
Vitamin E  12.5 IU  
Vitamin A  500 IU  
Taurine  50mg  


Also contains: Whey, Sucrose, Citrus Bioflavonoids, Calcium, Phosphate, Maganese Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Grape Seed Extract, Selenium Selenite, Natural Beef and Natural Liver Flavor

Initial Administration (4-6 week period: Cats Under 10lbs-1 scoop per day, Cats Over 10lbs-2 scoops per day

Maintenance Administration: Every other day dosing




Glyco-Flex II for Cats (Vetri-Science)

Active Ingredient(s)
Perna Canaliculus (Green-Lipped Mussel) (300mg), Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) (250mg), Glucosamine HCl (250mg), Brewers Yeast (202mg), Stearic Acid (64mg), Cellulose (42mg), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate (33mg), Silicon Dioxide (25mg), Smoke Flavor (12mg)



The other thing is to consider a very low dose of baby aspirin every 2-3 days or METACAM, which is a liquid NSAID that helps provide pain relief...it is only approved for dogs with arthritis but they use it for cats in Europe all the time and now we have started to use it in cats here in US with good results...normally it is something like 2 drops every 2-3 days.

Acupuncture or chiropractic adjustments would probably be of benefit.

Good luck,
Dr. Fry