As pet owners, we go to great lengths to ensure our furry companions live healthy, comfortable lives. So, when a beloved dog begins to show signs of osteoarthritis (OA)—limping, difficulty getting up, reluctance to play—we want the most effective treatment available. But long-term safety is an equally important factor in deciding which approach to take.
In recent years, a new option has emerged that’s changing how veterinarians treat dog arthritis, called Synovetin OA®. However, the question on many dog parents’ minds is: “Is it safe?”
Let’s explore how Synovetin OA works, why it’s considered exceptionally safe, and how it compares with other common treatments in terms of safety.
What Is Synovetin OA? Here’s what makes it different from other treatments
Synovetin OA is a completely unique approach that involves a single injection into the affected joint. Once there, it goes to work, right where it’s needed to effectively relieve OA pain by addressing what’s causing it in the first place: inflammation.
Unlike traditional pain medications that have to travel through a dog’s entire body to relieve symptoms, Synovetin OA works deep inside the joint but does not affect other parts of the body, like the stomach, liver, or kidneys.
Because of this, it does not cause the side effects that can occur with medications that are given by injections into muscle or under the skin, or by mouth using pills or chews. That makes Synovetin OA a particularly attractive option for safe, long-term use in any dog, and a great alternative for dogs that don’t tolerate oral meds or have other health issues.
How does Synovetin OA relieve arthritis pain? Here’s why the way it works makes it a safe option
First, it’s important to understand that OA is not just the result of “wear and tear” on the joints. It’s a chronic condition driven by overactive inflammatory cells in the soft tissue that lines the joint (called the “synovium”). These cells cause cartilage degradation, and that leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Synovetin OA uses microscopic radiotherapeutic particles to reduce this inflammation. Once injected into the joint, the active component, tin-117m, targets and safely deactivates the harmful inflammatory cells. That results in effective and long-lasting pain relief.
You can rest assured knowing that while Synovetin OA is the only dog arthritis treatment that uses this approach, it’s same type of treatment that’s been safely and effectively used for decades to treat arthritis in people in countries around the world.
What are the side effects with Synovetin OA? Here’s what clinical studies and real-world use have shown
Because Synovetin OA remains inside the joint, it doesn’t circulate through the bloodstream to affect vital organs. It’s a targeted approach that minimizes the risk of side effects, which is one of the major limitations of other dog arthritis therapies that can make them less suitable for the long term.
Understandably, some people may be concerned about using a radiotherapy to treat their beloved pet. However, multiple studies have shown that Synovetin OA is both safe and effective for long-term use in dogs.
- No safety issues: Numerous safety evaluations showed no clinically significant adverse effects related to the injection
- No damage to the joint: Safety trials showed no adverse effects on joint tissues. In fact, Synovetin is designed to reduce the inflammation that drives the degradation of joint structures
- Targeted treatment: Synovetin OA stays confined inside the treated joint, with no exposure to other body organs or systems
- Long-lasting relief: The vast majority of dogs studied had a significant reduction in pain for up to 1 year with a just 1 simple injection
- Repeatable: If necessary, Synovetin OA can be given annually. Studies have not shown any safety concerns with repeat administration
Furthermore, Synovetin OA has now been used by 100s of veterinarians across the country in 1000s of dogs with no reports of worrying side effects. In fact, vets who are using Synovetin OA report high satisfaction among dog owners, with feedback ranging from “She’s acting like a puppy again” to “He’s doing circles around us” to “Synovetin OA has changed her whole world,” and the like.
How does Synovetin OA compare? Let’s look at the difference from other common OA treatments
Commonly used OA medications can help with pain relief, but they often come with trade-offs when used long term.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
These are commonly prescribed for reducing pain. However, NSAIDs are given as oral pills or chews that have to circulate throughout the dog’s body to relieve OA pain. This can lead to:
- Kidney and liver issues, especially with long-term use
- Stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal upset
- The need for frequent bloodwork to monitor for organ damage
Monoclonal antibodies
Anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies are a newer class of drugs that work primarily to block pain signals. They’re injected under the skin so they have to travel through a dog’s whole body, which exposes multiple organs and body systems to the active drug. These medications have been associated with minor and very serious side effects and their use has raised concerns that have prompted further investigation into their safety.
Corticosteroid injections
These joint injections can provide short-term relief by reducing inflammation, but they come with significant downsides, including:
- Cartilage degeneration with repeated use
- Worsening joint damage over time
- Potential for systemic absorption and hormonal imbalances
Why Synovetin OA? Here’s why it may be an optimal long-term option for your dog
What sets Synovetin OA apart is its ability to address the root cause of osteoarthritis pain—inflammation within the joint—without affecting the rest of your dog’s body. Its targeted nature means it’s an exceptionally safe treatment for long-lasting relief.
So, to answer the question “Is Synovetin OA safe for my dog for the long term?,” the answer is a resounding “yes”. Rest assured that Synovetin OA offers a safe and effective alternative now trusted by veterinarians and pet parents alike.
What do other pet parents think about Synovetin OA? These owners had their dogs treated with Synovetin OA and now have good news to share! Get their stories here.
