Solensia – The New Treatment for Arthritis in Cats
Arthritis is an irreversible degenerative condition of joints resulting in cats experiencing chronic pain. Arthritis is very common in cats – nearly 40% of cats show signs but only 13% of affected cats are diagnosed as arthritic
Cats are more difficult to diagnose than dogs due to their different lifestyle where they can sleep for over 20 hours of the day and we don’t observe them exercising. Signs can be more subtle but usually include:
- Hesitancy or difficulty jumping onto benches/beds
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Reduced agility and grooming
- Less time playing and running
- Difficulty finding a comfortable position to sleep
- Irritable when handled
- Urinating and defecating inside
- Seeking secluded areas
The effects of chronic pain and reduced activity have widespread consequences on quality of life, not only on mobility, but also leading to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Reduced interaction and affection
- Poor sleep
- Cognitive decline
It is therefore important that we recognise and treat this common condition appropriately.
Solensia is a new medication available for providing pain relief in arthritic cats. The active ingredient “Frunevetmab” consists of monoclonal antibodies which target NGF (Nerve Growth Factor), a hormone which is released in inflamed, arthritic joints. By neutralising NGF it can prevent it from binding and stops the cascade of events which results in a sensitised and sore joint.
See What Solensia Can Do For Your Cat
Safe, Easy and Effective
Solensia is given as a single monthly injection, meaning no more remembering (and forgetting) to give medication daily, and no more fluctuations in drug levels.
Because Solensia contains antibodies which behave in a similar way as naturally occurring antibodies, they are naturally degraded at the end of their life cycle, resulting in minimal involvement of the kidneys or liver.
The active ingredient in Solensia is highly targeted resulting in minimal chance of significant side effects such as vomiting and diarrhoea which can occur with the traditional NSAIDS which we have used in the past.
Because of its safety profile, we can confidently use this in senior cats who may have underlying liver or kidney problems. Arthritic cats by nature are senior cats and can also have pre-existing kidney disease. Solensia has no impact on kidney disease which traditional NSAID medacation can.
Benefits of Using Solensia
- Consistent prolonged pain relief for 4 weeks without fluctuations
- Increased mobility and decreased pain after a single injection, which continues to improve after the second injection
- Ease of medications with a monthly injection
- No more ‘syringing’ your cat if they are fussy eaters
- Can be used safely in senior cats and in cats with pre-existing kidney disease