Case Study

RAD – Feline chronic progressive polyarthopathy in a 9 year old MN DSH cat

This 9 year old MN DSH cat presented with a swelling on the tarsal area

DX

feline chronic progressive polyarthropathy

Image Interpretation

Rad of left tarsal and lateral thorax – Moderate homogenous soft tissue swelling level with the distal intertarsal and the tarsometatarsal joints, accentuated at the lateral and plantar aspect. A moderate amount of lamellated to solid periostal bridging new bone is seen lateral, dorsal and plantar on the distal tarsal and proximal metatarsal bones. The joint spaces of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints cannot be delineated.

The metatarsal bones 3-5 are fused proximally.

Multifocal medullary sclerosis of the metatarsal bones 3-5 is noted.

Outcome

Ancylosing arthropathy of the distal intertarsal tarsal and
tarsometatarsal with multifocal benign bridging osteoproliferation and
regional soft tissue swelling; aerophagia
Consider a clinical trial with NSAIDS.
In some cases corticosteroid therapy has proven beneficial.
Radiation treatment may be considered in case of severe clinical signs.
Note that other joints may be affected as well.