Treatment for cats suffering from osteoporosis in America
US health officials have approved a treatment that will relieve the pain of older cats with osteoporosis.
The treatment, which is a monoclonal antibody, has received a lot of attention since the Covid-19 pandemic because it helps reduce the risk of serious diseases.
This is the first time that synthetic antibodies have been allowed for animals.
"Advances in veterinary medicine have been beneficial in extending the life of a large number of animals, including cats," said Stephen Solomon, director of the FDA's veterinary division.
"Longer life would lead to more chronic diseases such as osteoporosis," he added.
The new drug is given to the kittens by subcutaneous injection once a month.
The dose depends on the weight of the cat.
Osteoporosis affects the joints with age, as the cartilage that allows the two bones to connect is eroded, causing friction and thus pain.
The new treatment, called Solancia, binds itself to a protein called nerve growth factor (NGF), which helps control pain.
The signal responsible for pain is prevented from reaching the brain.
In clinical trials, researchers asked cat owners to describe the behavior of their pets, such as jumping on furniture or using special boxes to relieve themselves.
This behavior was compared after treatment.
Minor side effects, such as vomiting or diarrhea, were reported, but did not warrant discontinuation of treatment.
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