Quakertown Veterinary Clinic offering free osteoarthritis screening for cats during National Cat Health Month

In honor of National Cat Health Month (February), the Quakertown Veterinary Clinic is offering free cat osteoarthritis (OA) screenings to pet owners interested in enrolling their cat in a clinical study for a new medication to control the pain of osteoarthritis.

Cats of all ages can experience the pain of osteoarthritis, but it is more common in cats over the age of 5 years old. Osteoarthritis can be hard to detect in cats, and pet owners should look for slight changes in behavior that provide clues their cat may be in pain.

Some of the signs that your cat may be suffering from the pain of OA:

• Avoids jumping onto favorite spots, such as the couch, bed, or favorite resting spot.
• Less interest in play.
• Hiding more than usual.
• Decrease in grooming, especially in their hind quarters.
• Less interest in scratching on their scratching post.
• No longer does a full-body stretch.

Cats that participate in the study will receive complimentary study related exams, labs, testing and study medications. The study will require pet owners to bring their cat to monthly complimentary exams at the hospital for the three months of the study, and also to observe the cat’s daily behaviors. Pet owners who are compliant with the study requirements will receive a veterinary hospital credit they can use for any service at the end of the study.

Contact the clinical trials department at Quakertown Veterinary Clinic at 215-536-6245 to see if your cat qualifies for a free osteoarthritis screening.

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