Beloved local tiger Hakim recently underwent groundbreaking arthritis treatment at Sunset Zoo.
The 17-year-old tiger was treated at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine by Dr. Trenton Shrader who is the assistant Professor of Exotic Pet, Wildlife, and Zoological Medicine and works closely with Sunset Zoo head keeper Caitlin Kenney.
The 250 pound cat has osteoarthritis in both of his elbows, which caused him a significant amount of pain and mobility issues.
Hakim received an injection of “Synovetin OA”, which has been used by veterinarians to treat thousands of dogs with arthritis. This was the first ever use of the treatment in a large cat.
While intended for canine elbow osteoarthritis, Synovetin OA has been successfully used in other joints and species.
The medication targets the cells that cause inflammation and progression of osteoarthritis, and can provide up to one full year of relief with just one targeted treatment.
The care team at Sunset Zoo has been following a treatment plan since late 2023 when Hakim was originally diagnosed with severe arthritis.
Hakim is one of three tigers at the expedition Asia exhibit at Sunset Zoo.
The post Sunset Zoo tiger receives groundbreaking new arthritis treatment appeared first on News Radio KMAN.
