Feline Degenerative Joint Disease Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Degenerative joint disease (DJD), also known as osteoarthritis (OA), is a chronic, progressive disorder characterized by degradation of articular cartilage, subchondral bone remodeling, synovitis, and pain. DJD is now recognized as the primary source of chronic pain in cats, affecting well over 25% of the feline population. Despite its high prevalence, feline DJD remains significantly underdiagnosed due to cats' unique presentation of pain and mobility issues.

Unlike dogs, cats rarely exhibit overt lameness. Their small size and natural agility allow them to compensate for orthopedic disease, and bilateral involvement is common, making gait abnormalities difficult to detect. Behavioral changes are often the first and most reliable indicators of feline OA.

Prevalence and Epidemiology

Feline DJD is far more common than historically appreciated. Multiple radiographic studies have demonstrated remarkably high prevalence rates: