Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Treatment with methotrexate and leflunomide helps cats
By Hanna, F Y·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2005·Rosebery3@tisCali.Co.Uk·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Disease modifying treatment for feline rheumatoid arthritis.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 12 cats with rheumatoid arthritis (a type of inflammatory joint disease) that didn't improve with standard treatments were given a combination of Methotrexate and Leflunomide. Most of these cats, averaging about 6 years old, started to show significant improvement within four weeks of starting the medication. After reaching their best condition, the vets reduced the dosage. Thankfully, there were no serious side effects noted during the treatment.
People also search for: cat rheumatoid arthritis treatment · Siamese cat joint pain · Methotrexate for cats arthritis · Leflunomide side effects in cats
Abstract
Feline erosive polyarthritis includes the more common periosteal proliferative polyarthritis (PPP) and the rarely seen rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (11). During the past three years, 12 patients with definite feline rheumatoid arthritis, which did not respond well to conventional therapy, were treated with 7.5 mg of Methotrexate and 70 mg Leflunomide, given weekly by the oral route. The average age of the cats was 5.9 years (range 2.5 to 10 years). Siamese cats were over represented. Seven of the 12 (58%) cats showed a marked improvement, usually within four weeks. Once maximum improvement was obtained the dosage was decreased. Serious toxicity was not noted and carcinogenetic effect was not seen during the course of this study.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16594204/