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A dog receives a Synovetin OA injection for osteoarthritis treatment at Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Center in Allentown, Pa., Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (Photo provided by Dr. Berit Fischer)<\/p>\nALLENTOWN, Pa. \u2014 A Lehigh Valley veterinary hospital has become the 100th in the nation licensed to offer an innovative radiotherapy treatment for canine osteoarthritis, marking a major milestone in the growing adoption of the procedure.<\/p>\n
Exubrion Therapeutics announced that Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Center in Allentown is now part of the nationwide network providing Synovetin OA, a targeted, one-time joint injection designed to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of arthritis in dogs.<\/p>\n
Dr. Berit Fischer, a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist and pain management specialist, leads the program. She previously administered Synovetin OA at another practice and said the treatment stands apart from conventional options.<\/p>\n
A dog receives a Synovetin OA injection for osteoarthritis treatment at Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Center in Allentown, Pa., Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (Photo provided by Dr. Berit Fischer)<\/p>\n
\u201cSynovetin OA uses novel technology to eliminate inflammation in joints affected with osteoarthritis and produce long-lasting pain relief,\u201d Fischer said. \u201cIt does this directly within the affected joint and does not require continued dosing to achieve the desired effect.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fischer said the injection can be used for dogs with arthritis in one to four joints, depending on the patient\u2019s size, though certain cases benefit more than others.<\/p>\n
\u201cPatients that gain the highest benefit are those that are young with genetic abnormalities of their joints, such as dogs afflicted with elbow dysplasia,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen treatment can be instituted early, the anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce progression of the disease.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fischer has treated more than 50 dogs with Synovetin OA and said many owners report noticeable improvements.<\/p>\n
\u201cOwners tell me their dog has improved energy and activity, reduced restlessness and limping, and is able to resume activities they haven\u2019t been able to do for a while,\u201d she said. \u201cSometimes it\u2019s something as simple as running down the driveway again or chasing a squirrel in the backyard.\u201d<\/p>\n
A thorough exam and imaging\u2014typically radiographs or CT scans\u2014help determine whether a dog is a good candidate. Earlier treatment often leads to a stronger response, Fischer said, though dogs with long-standing arthritis may still benefit. She emphasized that Synovetin OA is considered safe.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a radiotherapeutic device that has been used in human medicine,\u201d she said. \u201cSide effects are minimal to none. The safety measures owners must follow after treatment are minimal, and most require no changes to their daily routine with their dog.\u201d<\/p>\n
How it works<\/p>\n
Synovetin OA uses TIN-117m microparticles to deactivate inflammatory cells within the affected joint. The therapeutic energy remains confined to a tiny radius, preventing exposure to nearby organs or family members.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe real difference with Synovetin OA is that while traditional treatments focus on pain, this focuses on where the pain comes from\u2014the inflammation,\u201d said Dr. Bob Menardi, a veterinarian who has extensive experience with the therapy.<\/p>\n
Menardi said larger breeds, working dogs and younger dogs with joint abnormalities often show strong responses, though older dogs typically see improved comfort and mobility as well.<\/p>\n
The radioactive material\u2019s energy dissipates within three to four months, but the joint can continue to improve for up to a year or longer, Menardi said. The injection essentially \u201cresets\u201d the joint environment, reducing inflammation that would otherwise erode cartilage over time.<\/p>\n
Fischer said Synovetin OA is already influencing the future of osteoarthritis care.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has added another tool to the toolbox,\u201d she said. \u201cOne of the greatest benefits is that it can be used in dogs that cannot take certain daily medications, such as NSAIDs, including dogs with chronic kidney disease.\u201d<\/p>\n
Growing nationwide<\/p>\n
Osteoarthritis affects 25% of adult dogs and up to 80% of seniors. Research published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science has shown that tin-117m therapy reduces inflammation and cartilage degeneration in preclinical studies and provides long-lasting relief.<\/p>\n
Since licensing began in 2021, availability of Synovetin OA has expanded nationwide. Menardi said treatment centers are accessible in nearly every region of the country.<\/p>\n