DJD-associated pain in cats: what can we do to promote patient comfort?
BACKGROUND
Degenerative joint disease (DJD) has a high prevalence in domestic cats and can be associated with pain. This pain should be addressed wherever possible.


BACKGROUND
All practitioners are faced with cats that are mobility impaired due to DJD-associated pain.


METHODS
Cats of all ages and breeds, and either sex, can experience DJD-associated discomfort.


OBJECTIVE
Recognizing DJD and assessing DJD-associated pain in cats is a challenge. Owner observations of activity and behavior, careful observation and a logical and thorough orthopedic evaluation are key. Current understanding of the etiology of feline DJD and the mechanisms of DJD-associated pain is incomplete, making the rational choice of treatments a further challenge.


METHODS
Evidence is emerging on the prevalence of feline DJD, and on how to assess the associated pain and mobility impairment. There is a lack of information on the etiology of feline DJD and a relative lack of data on the efficacy of putative treatments.
Lascelles
B Duncan X
BD
Comparative Pain Research Laboratory & Surgery Section, Department of Clinical Studies, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA. duncan_lascelles@ncsu.edu
Robertson
Sheilah A
SA
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002415:Cats; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000662:veterinary; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000662:veterinary; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014730:Veterinary Medicine
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal