How to Handle Septic Arthritis in Cats

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

Older cats will sometimes slow down with age, and that's okay. But sometimes this slowing down is caused by arthritis – an inflammation in their joints. Septic arthritis is caused by bacteria living in those joints and can’t be treated in the same way as regular arthritis. Recognizing the symptoms of septic arthritis and getting your cat the proper care can help relieve its symptoms and make it more comfortable.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Recognizing Septic Arthritis Symptoms

1
Look for a decreased range of motion. Because septic arthritis causes swelling in joints, it can prevent your cat from being able to move properly. If you notice your cat seems to be limping when it walks, it might have septic arthritis. Limping is a sign that your cat can't extend its legs as far as usual.^{[1]
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2
Check your cat’s joints. The joints affected by septic arthritis will show symptoms. They might be hot or swollen. When you touch one of your cat’s joints, it might yelp or hiss, since septic arthritis can also cause pain there.^{[2]
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- If you are testing your cat's joints, do so gently. You don't want to cause your cat more pain that necessary.
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3
Look for lameness in the affected limb. If the septic arthritis has advanced far enough, your cat might not be able to move the affected limbs at all. They’ll favor the other limbs that aren’t affected, dragging the ones that are.^{[3]
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4
Pay attention to your cat’s appetite. If your cat is in enough pain, it may lose its appetite. If your cat isn’t eating as much as it normally does, it can be a sign of septic arthritis. However, lack of appetite is a serious symptom regardless of what causes it, so if you notice it in your cat, you should take it to the vet right away.^{[4]
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5
Pay attention to your cat’s activity levels. If the septic arthritis has advanced far enough, your cat may not want to move at all. If you notice that your cat is lethargic and not willing to move much, it might have septic arthritis. Lethargy is also a symptom of other serious issues, so if you notice it, you should take your cat to the vet right away.^{[5]
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Method 2

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Treating Septic Arthritis

1
Order x-rays. The length of time your cat has been suffering from septic arthritis can affect how much additional damage there is. An x-ray will show you and your vet if there’s any permanent change in the joint structure caused by the inflammation.^{[6]
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2
Admit your cat to an animal hospital. For treatment, your cat will have to be admitted to your vet’s office or an animal hospital. Treatment often requires surgery – although it’s sometimes minimally invasive – and your cat will need to be sedated.^{[7]
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Research source} Your cat's vet will also likely want to examine your cat to assess his general health and check for any other conditions that may be compromising your cat's immune system. A weak immune system can predispose your cat to an infection, such as septic arthritis.
3
Extract joint fluid from the infected joint. To determine the extent of the bacterial infection, your vet will extract joint fluid to perform a bacterial culture. This will tell your vet the best way to treat your cat’s septic arthritis.^{[8]
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- You cat will be sedated for this, and your vet will be able to tell you how long the drugs will affect your cat.^{[9]
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4
Flush the joint. To get all of the bacteria out of the joint that’s affected, your vet might lavage – or wash – the joint. This will require your vet to put your cat under anesthesia, open its skin near the joint, and use a scope to clean out the joint.^{[10]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Caring for Your Cat After Surgery

1
Alternate cold and heat packs at home. Once your cat is home from surgery, alternating hot and cold packs on your cats joints can give it some relief. Place a heat pack on the affected joints for 10 minutes. Swap it out for a cold pack and leave that on for the same amount of time. You can do this up to a couple of times a day.^{[11]
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- Your cat might not be willing to sit still while you do this. Try holding your cat in your arms while you hold the packs to its affected limbs. Petting it and speaking to it in a soothing voice while you do so can help calm down your cat.
2
Restrict your cat’s activity. While your cat heals, it’s important it doesn’t move more than it needs to. Place its food, water, and litter box near where it's resting. You should also prevent your cat from running and playing as much as possible.^{[12]
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3
Administer antibiotics for 4 to 8 weeks. The type of antibiotic you give your cat depends on the results of the bacterial culture your vet takes. Any other conditions, illnesses, and medications will also affect the type of antibiotic your vet prescribes. You should give them to your cat for four to eight weeks, even after their symptoms disappear.^{[13]
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