Spondylosis Deformans can be diagnosed and treated.
Spondylosis is a condition in which the back of the spine grows spurs.Due to aging, this condition develops often.Unless your vet takes an x-ray for something else, you probably won't know your cat has this condition.If you suspect your cat is having a problem, you can have the cat examined by the vet.Your vet may recommend no treatment at all since the condition doesn't always cause problems and the treatment is often not effective.
Step 1: Pay attention to the movement of the body.
The cat's movement can be affected by the spurs on the back of the spine.The spurs make it more difficult for the cat to move.Contact your vet if you notice that your cat is limping.
Step 2: There is a check for decreased flexibility.
How much the cat moves its spine can be affected by this disease.The cat may not be turning over as easily as it used to, or it may be having trouble stretching or cleaning itself.
Step 3: You should look for a loss of muscle mass.
The atrophy of muscle along the spine is a symptom of this condition.The symptom can take longer to appear than other symptoms.
Step 4: You should notice back pain.
This condition can be painful for some cats.When you stroke parts of the cat's back, you may notice that it cries out in pain.
Step 5: Prepare for the physical examination.
Your vet will conduct a physical examination.They will look at the cat's flexibility and gait to see if there are any problems.This condition can't be diagnosed with a physical examination.Let the vet know if your cat has had any issues in the past.
Step 6: You will get x-rays.
x-rays are the most common way to diagnose this condition.The cat's spine will be examined by the vet.The vet will be able to determine if the cat has spurs.To see the bone spurs properly, the vet may need to take x-rays from multiple angles.
Step 7: Ask about the types of scans.
In some cases, an x-ray may be needed to properly diagnose this disease.Your vet can either do this test or send you to a specialist.
Step 8: Don't treat.
Aging is the reason why your cat won't need any treatment for this condition.Your vet may decide that treatment isn't necessary if your cat is not in pain.
Step 9: Ask about the drugs that are used to relieve pain.
The vet will often prescribe a pain medication when a cat is in pain.If you want to give pain medication to cats, make sure you give it under the direction of a vet.The vet usually prescribes an NSAID.
Step 10: Discuss the loss of weight.
It is possible for your cat to lose weight if it is overweight.Ask your vet if your cat is a good candidate for this option.Have the vet talk to you about a weight loss plan.To help your cat lose weight, you need to reduce the amount of food it eats.An 8 pound cat needs 160 calories to maintain its weight, which is 20 calories per pound of weight.If you want an indoor cat to lose weight, you need to cut its calories by 40 calories.An 8-pound cat needs 120 calories a day to lose weight.To maintain its current weight, you can increase the cat's intake to 35 calories per pound.The same adjustment is made for losing weight.
Step 11: You should expect surgery under extreme conditions.
If the spurs are affecting the cat's spine, surgery may be necessary.The vet will not recommend this course of action.Most of the time, the spurs grow back since they are stabilizing the spine.