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Cruciate Injury In A Cat

by Rose Mary - September 14, 2009

Hello Steve,

I have a 12 year old MN DSH cat with a ruptured cruciate that I do not want to put on the typical anti-inflammatories that we would usually use.
I am considering putting the cat on arnica in the short term. Your text recommends 30 C up to three times daily as needed to relieve pain. Would that be your recommended dose for a cat, and how long could this be safely used.
I thought that when I was studying there with you and Karen that you put the animals on arnica first and then switch to something else a few days later?
Any advice would be helpful!
Thanks,
Rose Mary

by naturevet

September 15, 2009

Hi Rose Mary,

Arnica is most helpful in acute injuries or trauma; and in situations where the patient is worse when they move around, and better the more they rest.

At some point, animals switch, and become better with movement and worse with stillness. At that point, we think of Ruta graveolens (if too little or too much movement is aggravating), or Rhus tox (if the more they move the better they feel).

Whichever one is appropriate, all are safe for long term use. For very long term use, strive for SID to BID. For short terms use, and to stabilize acute cases, use up to TID to QID. Generally, you taper the frequency of use as the animal improves and the trauma subsides.

Good luck!

Steve

by amymatthews

September 16, 2009

Have you had success rehabilitating cats with cruciate injuries? The only ones I have seen have been obese, and they did not do well with just acupuncture.

Thanks!

Amy

by naturevet

September 17, 2009

Hi Amy,

I've never treated a cat with a cruciate tear before, just ones with complete ligament destruction, which we casted. I would certainly guess that herbs and/or homeopathics would be needed to have a speedier positive outcome, however, as is often the case with dogs. Maybe others on the list will share their experiences, if any.

Steve

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