Solensia - A New Treatment for Cats with Arthritis!

 

 

It's a fact that cats can get arthritis as they age just like we do.  As with our joints, the cartilage between their bones begins to break down as they age, causing bones to rub together and making joints painful.  Quite a few of BCR's more senior cats are feeling the pain from arthritis, like Jellybean, Cassie, LT, Misty, Terra and Rudy.

Humans have lots of remedies available to help us with pain and stiffness and now cats are getting more options, too.  Joining cold laser therapy, acupuncture, supplements and traditional pain medications, cats can now add Solensia to their treatment options.  Approved by the FDA in 2022 specifically for the treatment of osteoarthritis in cats (the first-ever so far), the active ingredient in this once-a-month injection is frunevetmab, which is a lab made protein that blocks certain pain signals to a cat's brain when cartilage breaks down allowing bones to rub together, offering relief from arthritis pain.   The cats mentioned above and several others at BCR are benefiting from Solensia treatments already.

This is a new drug and may not be appropriate for every cat, so if you have a cat suffering from arthritis, you must consult with your vet.  He or she will determine if it's right for your cat, the size of the dose, which is based on a cat's weight, and will administer Solensia in a subcutaneous injection, which should continue every four weeks on a schedule to maximize their effectiveness.  The injections cannot be done safely at home. 

You and your vet will also watch for any side effects, which can include vomiting, diarrhea, injection site pain, and itchy or scabby skin.


CLICK HERE to read more about Solensia and its use from petmed.com.