Evaluation of a low dose NSAID for chronic pain relief in cats suffering from degenerative joint disease
Introduction:
Up to 45% of cats may suffer from degenerative joint disease (DJD), a condition which may be painful and debilitating, and may cause behavioral changes. There are limited treatment options available, and no FDA approved medications for chronic or repeated usage. This study seeks to use pet cats to evaluate the efficacy of a low dose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication in reducing pain and restoring comfort to cats with DJD.
Study Description:
This is a 78 day (11 week) double blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial. Potential cats will be screened and if accepted, will wear an activity monitor for the duration of the study. Owners need to be willing to visit the NCSU Veterinary Health Complex for scheduled appointments to complete paperwork, and to medicate their cat once daily for the duration of the study (medication may be dosed orally or placed on food). Owners will also be expected to complete a short weekly assessment of their cat’s activity online.
Cats need to be:
- Slowed down or be mobility impaired (as judged by their owners)
- Indoor only, or able to live indoors for the duration of the study
- Able to wear a collar or harness
- Not on any anti-inflammatory medications, or willing to stop these for the whole study
Owners need to:
- Agree to administer medicine daily and evaluate cat for the 11-week period
- Agree to come to NCSU Veterinary Health Complex as scheduled
- Have predictable lifestyle (no impending moves, new child, extended vacation)
Benefits:
Participation may improve the enrolled cat’s comfort, as well as provide information to guide treatment for the many cats suffering from DJD.
Enrolled cats will receive:
- Free bloodwork and urinalysis performed twice
- Free radiographs
- Free screening with physical, orthopedic and neurologic exams
Contact:
Comparative Pain Research Laboratory at North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
(919) 513-6854
cvm_cprl@ncsu.edu