Advanced treatment options for feline osteoarthritis including targeted biologics, rehabilitation, and multimodal pain management.
Advanced feline arthritis treatment has been transformed by the availability of species-specific targeted biological therapy. Anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody treatment provides sustained pain relief without the gastrointestinal and renal risks associated with NSAIDs, making it appropriate for cats with comorbidities. Rehabilitation therapy including laser, hydrotherapy, and passive range of motion work provides adjunctive pain relief that improves physical function beyond pharmaceutical management alone. The combination of biological pain relief, environmental modification, and physical therapy creates comprehensive management that maximizes quality of life throughout the disease course. Weight management in overweight cats, often the most impactful single intervention, receives inadequate emphasis relative to pharmaceutical approaches in clinical practice.