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• Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) in Cats

  An FHO, or femoral head ostectomy, is a surgical procedure that aims to restore pain-free mobility to a diseased or damaged hip by removing the head and neck of the femur (the long leg bone or thighbone). This procedure is commonly recommended for cats, especially those who are at a healthy weight. Active cats often experience better results with FHO than less-active cats. It is important to follow your veterinarian's post-operative instructions. Most cats will show signs of complete recovery approximately six weeks post-operatively.

• Triamcinolone Acetonide

  Triamcinolone acetonide is given by mouth or injection and is used on and off label in dogs, cats, and horses to treat Addison’s disease, inflammatory conditions, and immune-mediated diseases, among others. Give as directed.

• Creating a Comfortable Home for Your Mobility Compromised Dog

  There are many ways we can change our dog's home environment to help them more easily move around and avoid injuries. This handout reviews some key points to improve your dog's comfort at home and on car trips.

• Firocoxib

  Firocoxib is given by mouth in the form of a tablet to treat pain and inflammation in dogs and horses. It may also be used off label to treat a specific type of bladder cancer in dogs. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

• Veterinary Rehabilitation

  Veterinary rehabilitation uses physical therapies to improve a pet's mobility and reduce pain. Many acute and chronic conditions affecting movement can benefit from rehabilitation. Rehabilitation therapy can cause significant harm to a patient if done by someone with inappropriate education and training, or incomplete knowledge of a pet's full medical history. Speak to your veterinary healthcare team to help you evaluate the suitability of specific therapy for your pet.

• Nutraceuticals for Joint Support in Cats with Osteoarthritis

  A nutraceutical is a food or food product that reportedly provides health and/or medical benefits. In addition to diet modifications, exercise, weight loss, and medications, joint support nutraceuticals are also helpful in an osteoarthritis management program. Nutraceuticals are not subjected to the same testing and regulation as pharmaceuticals. Your veterinarian can advise you on products that have been evaluated and have yielded positive effects.

• Fight Wound Infections in Cats

  Usually caused by a bite from another cat, fight wound infections can lead to the development of an abscess (a pocket of pus) or cellulitis (pain and swelling in the area of the bite). A cat’s sharp canine teeth can easily puncture the skin of another cat, leaving small, deep, wounds that seal over quickly, so it is important that your cat is seen by a veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible after being bitten.

• Medicinal Mushrooms

  Medicinal mushrooms are given by mouth and are used over the counter (and under veterinary supervision) to supplement the treatment of cancer and other conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects may include stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness, and skin rash. Do not use in pets that are allergic to mushrooms, and use cautiously in pets that are pregnant, nursing, or have diabetes, clotting disorders, low blood pressure, immune-mediated disorders, liver problems, or kidney disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

• Fish Oil

  Fish oil is an over-the-counter supplement, given by mouth, that is commonly used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are not common but may include vomiting, diarrhea, or a fishy odor. Do not use concurrently with anticoagulant medications. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

• Flaxseed Oil

  Flaxseed oil is derived from flax plant seeds and contains high levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, and is used to treat certain inflammatory conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects may include diarrhea, vomiting, delayed wound healing, or an oily coat and skin flakes. Serious side effects include persistent stomach upset, or pancreatitis. Flaxseed oil should not be used in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.