Osteoarthritis May Impact Feline Behavior, Says Charles L. Starr III

Charles L. Starr III

Charles L. Starr III cites study listing osteoporosis symptoms in cats.

DENVER, Colorado – February 15, 2013 – Charles L. Starr III notes recent research stating pet owners may not realize their feline behavior is related to osteoporosis. The condition often appears in the way a cat moves and its sensitivity to touch, reports Charles L. Starr III.

Charles L. Starr III is a veterinarian whose practice treats a wide variety of animals, including horses and rescued wildlife. He often sees pet owners who are unaware lethargy and slow movement aren’t an inevitable part of a pet’s aging process. The study highlights the fact that many pets have conditions similar to those suffered by humans, Charles L. Starr III says, but without the ability to communicate those ailments.

The study, according to Charles L. Starr III, researched 120 felines, discovering that 39 had osteoarthritis. A painful ailment caused by degeneration of cartilage due to aging, Charles L. Starr III says that feline osteoarthritis can be treated if diagnosed by a veterinarian. The study found that by taking meloxicam, cats began to exhibit noticeable improvement in symptoms.

As Charles L. Starr III describes, osteoarthritis causes impairment in a cat’s limbs, inhibiting its ability to walk or jump. Experts believe more than 80 percent of cats over the age of 11 have osteoarthritis, Charles L. Starr III points out, with most of those pets’ owners completely unaware.

To diagnose osteoarthritis for the purpose of the study, Charles L. Starr III explains that researchers analyzed each cat’s kinetic gait, tested sensitivity to touch, and analyzed the cats’ activity throughout the day by using an accelerometer. According to Charles L. Starr III, dosage of meloxicam was varied among test subjects, with some felines given a placebo. Among the findings was an observation that those felines given higher doses of meloxicam exhibited reduced symptoms of pain for as much as five weeks after dosing stopped completely.

While Charles L. Starr III is quick to point out that meloxicam cannot completely remove osteoarthritis symptoms related to being touched, cats were able to move more freely, with an improvement in daily activity levels. Charles L. Starr III notes that the findings may mean an improvement in the quality of life for one of man’s favorite domestic animals.

Charles L. Starr III specializes in both preventive and emergency care, and participates in animal rescue in his community. Charles L. Starr III lives in Colorado with his wife and pets.