Evaluation of tramadol for treatment of osteoarthritis in geriatric cats

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To evaluate tramadol for treatment of signs of pain and impaired mobility in geriatric cats with osteoarthritis. DESIGN Randomized controlled crossover trial. ANIMALS 24 client-owned geriatric (≥ 10 years old) cats with osteoarthritis. PROCEDURES Otherwise healthy cats with owner-identified mobility impairment and clinical and radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis involving at least 1 appendicular joint were enrolled in the study. Cats were treated with tramadol orally at dosages of 0 (placebo), 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg (0, 0.45, 0.9, and 1.8 mg/lb) twice a day for 5 days, with a 2-day (weekend) washout period between treatments. Mobility was assessed with a collar-mounted activity monitor system, and impairments in activity were assessed with a client-completed questionnaire. RESULTS 17 cats completed the study; 7 cats were withdrawn. There was a significant increase in activity with the 2-mg/kg dosage of tramadol, compared with activity when cats received the placebo. Significantly more owners (11/18) considered their cats to have improved with the 2-mg/kg treatment, compared with all other dosages (6/19 to 8/21). Most owners (17/20 [85%]) considered their cat's global quality of life to have improved during the study. Adverse events, predominantly euphoria, dysphoria, sedation, decreased appetite, and diarrhea, were significantly more frequent with the 4-mg/kg (8/19) and 2-mg/kg (6/18) treatments but not with the 1-mg/kg (2/21) treatment, compared with frequency of adverse events with the placebo (0/21). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested a beneficial effect of twice-daily oral administration of tramadol at a dosage of 2 mg/kg in geriatric cats with osteoarthritis. Adverse events were dose dependent, and caution should be exercised in cats that have concurrent disease or are receiving other drugs that may produce adverse gastrointestinal effects.

Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II) in Joint Health and Disease: A Review on the Current Knowledge of Companion Animals

“…It is known that nearly 20% of canine pets spontaneously develop osteoarthritis, and this translates to at least 15 million dogs in the USA alone [6]. OA mostly affects the large breed dogs [9], geriatric cats [10], and sport horses [11]. OA occurs in the dog populations mostly because of overweight and/or obesity, insufficient exercise, injury, becoming old, having an infection, immune disorders, or genetic predisposition [12].…”

Prospective Evaluation of Feline Sourced Platelet-Rich Plasma Using Centrifuge-Based Systems

“…To the authors' knowledge, the only reported use of PRP in cats is that of a canine sourced PRP applied to a cutaneous wound of a feline patient (35). Prior work has shown promise using meloxicam, tramadol, and recently a feline-specific anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody in cats with osteoarthritis (36)(37)(38)(39)(40). However, these medical options may be limited in some feline patients.…”

“…Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs are often contraindicated in geriatric cats with osteoarthritis due to concurrent chronic kidney disease. Some cats may develop dose-dependent side effects of tramadol use (36). Therefore, use of a feline sourced PRP may be particularly beneficial for patients with osteoarthritis and soft tissue injuries.…”

The pharmacokinetics of gabapentin in cats

“…There are no approved medications for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain in cats, and only a limited number of analgesic therapeutics with data about efficacy . Before the studies reported here, we surveyed veterinarians regarding pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements used for the alleviation of chronic pain in the cat .…”