Intra-articular, or joint injections, are commonly used to treat osteoarthritis in human and animal patients.

Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease that starts as early as 18 months of age in dogs or earlier with joint injury or genetic disorder. There are many options that can be used to create a multimodal management plan to help relieve the pain and disability that accompany osteoarthritis in dogs.

These options include: prescription medications, supplements, special diet, physical modalities, and joint injections. There are many reasons to consider joint injections, in addition to, or in place of the above-mentioned therapies.

These reasons may include a poor response or intolerance of prescriptions, anxiety in the veterinary setting for weekly therapies, or a desire for a more direct approach. Plus, they are low risk with possible 24-48 hour injection soreness.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Synovetin OA

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Synovetin OA

A veterinary device that uses novel conversion electron therapy to target macrophages and synoviocytes in the injected joint to decrease pain and inflammation. For more information about Synovetin OA, visit ActiveDogNow.com

Corticosteroids

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Corticosteroids

Steroid injections that are anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat a range of conditions.

Hyaluronic Acid

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Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is similar to a substance that occurs naturally in the joints that acts as a lubricant.

PRP / ACP

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PRP / ACP

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses a patient's own blood cells to accelerate healing in a specific area.

This chart demonstrates some of the similarities and differences of each of the possible products that can be injected into a joint to help improve your dog's comfort and mobility.

CORTICOSTEROID
HYALURONIC ACID(HA)
PLATELET RICH PLASMA(PRP)
SYNOVETIN®
COST
$
$$
$$$
$$$$
NUMBER OF INJECTIONS
4X year
1-3 once to three X year
Series of 1-3 once to three X year
1X year
DURATION
3-6 months
3-12 months
6-12 months
Up to 12 months
SEDATION NEEDED
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
RESTRICTIONS
No NSAIDs x 7 days
None
None
Limit contact for approximately 2 weeks
FOR MORE INFO
CORTICOSTEROID
COST
$
NUMBER OF INJECTIONS
4X year
DURATION
3-6 months
SEDATION NEEDED
Yes
RESTRICTIONS
No NSAIDs x 7 days
FOR MORE INFO
HYALURONIC ACID(HA)
COST
$$
NUMBER OF INJECTIONS
1-3 once to three X year
DURATION
3-12 months
SEDATION NEEDED
Yes
RESTRICTIONS
None
FOR MORE INFO
PLATELET RICH PLASMA(PRP)
COST
$$$
NUMBER OF INJECTIONS
Series of 1-3 once to three X year
DURATION
6-12 months
SEDATION NEEDED
Yes
RESTRICTIONS
None
FOR MORE INFO
SYNOVETIN®
COST
$$$$
NUMBER OF INJECTIONS
1X year
DURATION
Up to 12 months
SEDATION NEEDED
Yes
RESTRICTIONS
Limit contact for approximately 2 weeks
FOR MORE INFO