Older kitty: arthritis, grooming questions etc

So my kitty is 13 he has recently stopped grooming himself as much as he used to.. He seems more uncomfortable and maybe in pain... I'm assuming he has arthritis??
Has anyone else had this happen? His bloodwork is fine.. Can't figure out why he'd stop grooming. Is there something he can eat(like the glucosamine sprinkles ) that won't affect his blood sugar?? Any advice appreciated.

 

A few people have used Cosequin / Dosaquin for joint help with little effect on BG. How are Miel's BG numbers? Could it be diabetic neuropathy? My boy groomed less when his neuropathy was worse.

 

His numbers are ok... Bs like 400ish dropping to normal.. How do i find out if he has neuropathy?? Was just at the vet wish i would've known to ask about it.

 

Hi--My boys are 19 and 20 and we have been using adequan for years to slow the progression of arthritis and it is a amazing product. The boys use all 4 flights of stairs and still play run and chase. It is a injection with a loading dose. I give a shot SQ every 4-5 days because of the age but you can start at 1x a month AFTER the loading dose.
It is perfectly safe for diabetics.
Essential fatty acids are helpful too.

I am a groomer--maybe you can find a groomer in the area (with a good rep from people who have used them)
I trim 1 of my boys bottom weekly and I shave them all over in the summer. They are short hair but they feel much better and less to clean for them and you
Grooming is often a sign of pleasure from what I know so maybe he does need to get o something for arthritis and a nice summer haircut

 

Neuropathy typically manifests by walking plantigrade, down on the hocks like a bunny.

Arthritis is easily diagnosed with x-rays. Glucosamine may help but Adequan is better if your cat is already experiencing discomfort or pain.

 

Is it expensive? Another shot sounds like torture to me... It's already hard enough with the diabetes. I'm just worried hes in pain.. If he doesn't want to groom himself thats ok i can cut off his dreads and stuff.. Couldn't afford xrays this time so not sure if he has it. All this began after he took a comfortis flea pill so...... I'm hoping that didn't mess him up somehow. Thanks for the advice.

 

Don't think he has neuropathy then. Xrays are coming when i have more money.

 

Here's Tootsie's video of diabetic neuropathy. We use it to show people success on Zobaline but it will also let you "see" diabetic neuropathy

 

Sometimes the vet can feel the arthritis with a physical exam. Neko never had x-rays for it, but even I could feel it on her spine. She also had it in her joints which the vet could detect.

Cartophen (what we get in Canada in place of Adequan) can work really well. Omega 3 in the form of fish oil can also help.

 

Adequan is not cheap but it does last a while for a kitty as it is dosed by weight.
If your kitty is 10 pounds the dose would be 0.2
I think you can find it online for 50$ish per vial that will last you a long time. For a kitty you will want the canine version not the equine.

If you do decide to cut some hair with scissors please be VERY careful-the skin is very thin and cuts easily.
If you do make sure you see both tips of the scissors before you cut so as not to cut the skin. However just trimming the outside hair is not going to cool the skin you would want to use a clipper for that. I work with our local rescue and often groom cats at a lower cost for people who adopt/rescue. Maybe you can contact a local shelter and ask if they work with a groomer? Honestly most (and I mean most not all) of us groomers are in it for the love of animals so maybe you can call a shop or write a letter and ask if they can do a grooming at a lower cost or maybe exchange some type of service?

 

I am so sorry about the medication causing this.... I hate all these meds with the awful side effects

 

I use fish oil & "golden paste" which is turmeric based. Just started Yucca as well

 

How do you give this Paul?

 

All mixed in with his wet food:

Fish oil, I give 1 squirt twice a day: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N0SM3OF/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yucca, 2 drops twice a day: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CZ2NM6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Golden paste 1/8 tsp 2-3x/day: I joined the "tumeric user group" on facebook which has the recipe and the great benefits (I started taking it myself too!): https://www.facebook.com/groups/415313751866609/?fref=nf

 

Ive cut my cats hair many times.. He gets dreads a lot. I also don't have money for groomers.... Or that shot unfortunately. This already breaks the bank. Is it a steroid? Cuz i know thats what caused the diabetes.

 

Fish oil really works for arthritis? I make golden milk all the time for myself though i doubt my cats would be into it. Haha

 

Fish oil is supposed to help their joint pain. I was surprised my cat eats the golden paste with no problem, actually licks it up but do give it at his hungriest times with the fish oil. Turmeric needs pepper & the fats from oil for proper absorption. The paste I make is with coconut oil & black pepper.

 

It is not a steroid-it is completely ok for diabetics.
You may want to check in the supply closet as many offer meds they no longer need.

 

you can test yourself by pushing on his shoulders.... slightly push his legs towards his shoulders....
if it's really bad arthritis, you might get a "that's not comfortable response".... cats are so stoic and don't show pain until it's really bad.
My cat didn't show response this way but the xrays showed how bad she had it.

high glucose numbers seem to also contribute to not grooming. I think they feel bad enough and there is so much dander that they just say , screw it.


the best thing for arthritis are the adequan shots.
It doesn't sting like lantus, and I noticed an immediate response to it.
I didn't use the big harpoon needles that they gave , instead i used an insulin syringe ( 25 mL is almost a full syringe) because the needle is so fine
and doesn't hurt like the big ones.

You start out giving it once a week, for about a month and then every 2 or 3, until you get on maintainance dose of once a month.

Shadow would always sleep so soundly and happily after her shot.....
I knew it made her feel so much better.

 

Ok thanks for the advice.