Arthr-itis

Yesterday I was doing laundry when Jackson the cat came in to use his litter box. I watched him climb in with no problems, then left the room. Five minutes later I saw him trying to walk down the hall, but his right leg kept collapsing under him. Hubby Tony and I observed him for a few minutes, then he called the vet. Even though Jackson tried to tell us it was time for his second meal of the day, ten minutes later we were on our way to the office. 

Jackson had just been to the vet two weeks ago for his checkup and rabies shot. He's not a fan of the experience at all...hates getting in the carrier, hates the car ride, hates the noises in the waiting room, and abhors the examination room. But other than some horrible howling in the car he handled the whole thing well.

In addition to all the normal well-visit checks of weight and temperature Jackson had a blood pressure check (with the cuff around his tail) and had the pulse checked in both of his paws. The vet pushed on his back legs and rotated them at the hips. Based on her findings she suspected arthritis, and suggested an x-ray. After quickly talking it over Tony and I agreed. 

The tech took Jackson out of the room. When they came back fifteen minutes later she put him on the floor, where he headed straight into his carrier. The doctor came in and showed us the results of the x-ray on a video screen. There was no sign of blood clots or tumors, but there were multiple places on his spine and hips that were inflamed.

The vet suggested that Jackson would benefit from something for pain. Because of his age (at 20, he would be comparable to a 100-year old person), a simple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug could be problematic for his kidneys. She recommended a quarter of a Gabapentin capsule twice a day, sprinkled on his food, and Adequan, an injectable that would lubricate his inflamed joints.  

Before he left the examination room the tech gave Jackson the first shot so she could show us the technique. He was very compliant for the demonstration, but I suspect that it will take both Tony and me to do it the next time. The tech also gave us some tips for incorporating the oral medicine on Jackson's food.

When we got home Jackson immediately asked for food. I sprinkled the oral medicine on top of it, and Jackson proceeded to empty the bowl. (He's never been a picky eater.) I'm pretty sure it was my imagination, but it seemed like Jackson was already walking better as he moved to the bedroom to lay in his after-lunch spot of sun. 

Last night and today he's been extra affectionate. I hope things continue to improve.

Five years ago: It's All In The Presentation