Question:Gobi, 4 years, has been diagnosed with possible osteogenesis imperfecta - a
type of brittle bone disease, I believe. To confirm the diagnosis a bone
biopsy has to be done. Since this carries a risk of the bone breaking and
there seems to be no effective treatment for this condition I'm not at all
happy about putting him through this. The only treatment he is receiving
is Metacam Oral Suspension for the pain. He is in considerable pain and has
great difficulty walking. Does anyone have any knowledge of this
condition? I'm desperate to do the best thing for my beloved little cat.
Answer:I think a diagnosis can be made by analysis of type-I collegen from cultured
skin fibroblasts. OI is caused by a genetic defect that affects the body's
production of collagen -- produces either less collagen than normal, or a
poorer quality of collagen than normal which leads to weak bones that
fracture easily.
Meloxicam (Metacam) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and
should not be used long-term in cats; Meloxicam use should be limited only
to a few days. Aspirin (baby) is the safest NSAID and can be taken twice a
week on a long term basis. I'd get a second opinion on that as soon as
possible.
OI is rare in cats - I haven't had any experience with it and there's not
much veterinary literature about it in cats. Its probably a good idea to
keep his weight down to optimum to reduce stress on the bones.
