For many dog owners, managing arthritis feels like a constant battle—daily pills, multiple medications, stomach upset, and the heartbreak of watching a beloved pet limp, struggle to rise, or give up once-loved activities. But thanks to two veterinarians at Mississippi State University’s Animal Emergency and Referral Center (AERC) in Flowood, there’s new hope in the form of a single injection that can keep some dogs comfortable for an entire year.
Dr. Wendy Byrd, an assistant clinical professor and veterinarian specializing in pain management and rehabilitation, and Dr. Seth Kettleman, assistant clinical professor and Chief of Specialty Services at the AERC, have collaborated to introduce an innovative arthritis therapy called Synovetin OA to Mississippi. Unlike traditional treatments that only mask the pain, this injection addresses the disease process itself, reducing inflammation, controlling pain, and slowing the breakdown of the joint.
“It's pretty remarkable,” said Byrd. “Synovetin OA works directly in the joint, so there are no systemic side effects like with oral pain medications. The dogs feel rested, and the treatment usually lasts a full year. For older pets with other health conditions, it can be a life-changing option.”
Synovetin OA is an intra-articular treatment that uses the radioisotope tin-117m to reduce inflammation within the joint. It’s the only treatment designed specifically to target synovial inflammation—a key driver of arthritis—and help prevent further damage, especially when administered early in the disease process.
Once injected, Synovetin OA targets immune cells called macrophages, which are responsible for triggering inflammation and cartilage degradation. By selectively deactivating these cells, the therapy disrupts the cycle of joint deterioration and delivers long-lasting relief.
For Kettleman, administering the injection is a straightforward procedure. “Each joint has its own landmarks that we use to guide placement,” he explained. “We prep the area carefully to prevent infection, then insert the needle into the joint. Once we confirm we’re in the right spot, the device goes in. The science behind it is sophisticated, but the actual injection is simple and precise.”
Behind the scenes, however, getting this therapy approved for use in Mississippi was anything but simple. Because the product involves radioactive material, the process required nearly four years of regulatory hurdles, facility modifications, and specialized training. Byrd, who led the effort, worked closely with MSU’s radiation safety officer to ensure the college and AERC had the right environment to use it safely. “It’s been a long journey, but it’s incredibly rewarding to finally be able to offer it,” she said.
Recently, Byrd and Kettleman returned to Starkville to perform the procedure on five dogs in a single day in the CVM Animal Health Center, a milestone for their team. Until then, only a handful of dogs in Mississippi had received the injection. By organizing multiple patients on the same day, the two were able to use a multi-dose vial, significantly reducing the cost for owners.
“Affordability matters,” Byrd noted. “We want this to be an option for more families and their beloved pets. By grouping cases, we can cut the price down and make it more accessible.”
The patients that day ranged from energetic young dogs with early joint disease to older pets struggling with chronic arthritis. Clyde, a two-year-old hunting dog diagnosed with elbow dysplasia, despite his youth, was already battling significant arthritis and was one of the lucky recipients.
“Clyde loves to hunt, and his owners want him to enjoy that as long as possible,” Byrd said. “By treating him early, we can slow the progression of arthritis and hopefully keep him active for years to come.”
Other patients included seniors whose mobility had declined so severely that daily walks were painful. For them, Synovetin offers the chance to move comfortably again without the side effects of multiple pain medications.
The benefits of Synovetin OA aren’t just anecdotal. Clinical studies show that over 90% of dogs with early to mid-stage arthritis experience improvement after treatment. Owners report noticeable increases in mobility, less limping, and a brighter, more energetic demeanor.
Aftercare is surprisingly minimal. Pet parents receive clear instructions based on the amount of Synovetin administered, including temporary sleeping arrangements and contact guidelines. But there’s no need to worry—dogs can still receive affection and short periods of contact throughout the day, and they can interact freely with other animals in the household. Most pets return to normal routines within two weeks of treatment.
For many families, the therapy means moving from the frustration of a daily pill routine to a once a once-a-year visit. For dogs, it means freedom from chronic pain and the chance to once again enjoy simple joys like running, playing, or hopping onto the couch without a struggle.
While Synovetin OA itself is groundbreaking, what truly sets the AERC apart is the collaborative model of care. Dr. Byrd and Dr. Kettleman bring together the specialties of surgery and rehabilitation, enabling a truly integrated approach to managing joint disease.
“In most cases, you would likely have a surgeon who does the procedure and then assigns a technician to oversee rehab—if rehab is even offered,” Kettleman explained. “Here, we have a full-time veterinarian specializing in pain management and physical therapy working side by side with surgery. That’s rare, and it makes all the difference.”
Byrd agreed. “We see each patent as a shared responsibility. I can walk down the hall and show Dr. Kettleman X-rays, and we can brainstorm the best approach together. That collaboration ensures our patients get the most out of both surgery and rehabilitation. We’re both invested in their long-term outcomes.”
Currently, Starkville is the only facility in Mississippi approved to administer Synovetin OA, but Byrd and Kettleman hope to expand access to their Flowood location soon. Their goal is to make this cutting-edge therapy available to more families, closer to home.
“This is about quality-of-life Byrd emphasized. “We’re not just treating pain, we’re helping dogs stay active, keep their mobility, and continue to do the things they love with their families.”
