When are pain meds really needed for an old cat?

lyrah2005

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My 12 year old cat had a run in with a Pit Bull in 2009, when she was 6. It  was a miracle that she did not suffer any internal damage, because he shook her pretty hard. She survived because she was able to sink every claw on her front paws, directly into his nose....He gave in at that point. I was amazed...She is an indoor cat that slipped out the front door...and that was that. The only residual injury she had was a knee joint that popped out. It was quite painful, and she was on a very strong opiate. Each time the knee popped out, I was able to pop it right back in. Eventually it stopped popping out. My vet did recommend an orthopedic vet to look at her...He did, and said the surgery to repair it was extremely expensive and a little risky, but would help her in the long run..I opted out, and was told she would probably get arthritis in that joint....She has it now.

There are very limited pain meds that cats can take that won't harm their kidneys. My vet prescribed Metacam prn only. The reason she did is because I told her my cat acted like it hurt her sometimes when I brushed her, or when I would pet her close to the injury, and perhaps sometimes when she walked. Now, it is up to me to give it to her, and to recognize when she REALLY needs it.

We have just moved, and the house has 3 floors. I was so concerned about her and those stairs..BUT she goes up and down 2 floors, at least 3 times a day. She does this just to walk around and investigate her surroundings. She also follows me at times too!

Here are my questions..Would a cat that has arthritis, and suffers with pain do that? Would they not just stay upstairs, and not attempt to go down? Do you even think she NEEDS pain meds at all? Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated.
 

stephanietx

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Have you tried Cosequin?  It's like glucosamine chondroitin for kitties.  It's also good for the kidneys.  I wouldn't keep her on pain meds, especially metacam as that can cause renal failure.
 
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lyrah2005

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I will give that a try. Thank you so much.
 
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lyrah2005

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Thanks so much for the information. In just one week of moving here, I am quite amazed now at this soon to be 13 year old baby of mine. She is literally RUNNING up and down the stairs. She is also interacting with her dreaded nemeses Kevin, in an ALMOST positive manner.  I'm thinking it was the lack of exercise that caused her to have bouts of pain. I know that is how it works with my arthritis. But with that said, I purchased the Cosequin yesterday, and began giving it to her this morning.

There is one other contributing factor that I should have told everyone. My "little" baby, isn't quite so little. She is not only a big cat, but she is also carrying a few extra pounds. I have had her on the Science Diet metabolic program for 6 months now, and she has gone from 20, to16.8 pounds. I'm thinking the weight loss is also playing a substantial role in her increased activity.

The last question was about the pain medicine, and I happy to say that with all she is doing, I KNOW she doesn't need prescription pain medicine. I'm quite happy she has shown me that answer..
 
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