Intra-Articular Joint Injections for Dogs

When a joint hurts, everyday moments take more effort: getting up from bed, jumping into the car, a walk around the block. For many dogs with arthritis, an intra-articular joint injection can be a helpful part of a broader comfort plan.

An intra-articular injection delivers treatment directly inside the joint. (Intra-articular simply means "within the joint.") Because the treatment goes where the problem is, it works alongside weight management, exercise, rehabilitation and medication rather than replacing them.

At Sevilla Veterinary Hospital in Santa Monica, Dr. Antonio Pedraza examines your dog, reviews X-rays from our in-house digital X-ray and explains whether an injection makes sense, and which type.

What it is

Treatment placed directly inside an arthritic or recovering joint

Commonly treated joints

Elbow, hip, stifle (knee) and shoulder

Options

Hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Arthramid® Vet and Spryng™ with OsteoCushion™ technology

Often combined with

Arthroscopy, TPLO recovery, laser therapy, weight management and rehabilitation

Location

Sevilla Veterinary Hospital, 2116 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405 · (310) 310-3704

When are joint injections recommended?

Dr. Pedraza may suggest a joint injection when:

• Osteoarthritis is causing pain or stiffness. Osteoarthritis is the gradual breakdown of the smooth cartilage that covers the ends of the bones, with inflammation of the tissues around the joint. Injections are often considered for mild to moderate arthritis, or when medication alone is not giving enough relief.
• Daily pain medication is not a good fit. Some dogs have other health conditions that limit which medications they can take long term, and an injection may offer another way to support their comfort.
• After arthroscopy. Arthroscopy is keyhole joint surgery with a small camera. It can treat problems inside the joint, but an arthritic joint may still need support afterward.
• During cruciate ligament or TPLO recovery. A torn cranial cruciate ligament (the dog's version of the ACL) makes the knee unstable, and arthritis often follows. TPLO stabilizes the knee and an injection cannot, but in selected dogs an injection may help manage arthritis in the knee over time.

When an injection is not the right choice. Joint injections are not given into an infected joint or through infected skin, and they cannot fix an unstable joint that needs surgical repair, such as a torn cruciate ligament. Some types of arthritis are driven by the immune system and need medical treatment instead.

Types of joint injections we use

No single injection suits every dog. Dr. Pedraza chooses based on the joint involved, how advanced the arthritis is, your dog's age and activity level, and your goals. Some treatments can be repeated over time.

Hyaluronic acid (HA)

Hyaluronic acid is a natural part of healthy joint fluid; it is what makes that fluid slippery and shock-absorbing. In arthritic joints the fluid becomes thinner and less protective. An HA injection aims to restore lubrication and calm inflammation, and it can be repeated if your dog responds.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

PRP is prepared from a small sample of your dog's own blood. The sample is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which release growth factors and other proteins involved in tissue repair and in calming inflammation. Because PRP comes from your dog's own body, the risk of an allergic-type reaction is very low.

Arthramid® Vet (polyacrylamide hydrogel)

Arthramid Vet is a clear, water-based gel classified as a veterinary medical device rather than a drug. After injection it becomes incorporated into the joint lining (the synovial membrane) and is designed to cushion and support the joint over the long term. Most published research comes from horses and research in dogs is more limited, and it calls for a period of controlled exercise afterward.

Spryng™ with OsteoCushion™ technology

Spryng is a veterinary medical device made of tiny, soft particles built from natural tissue components. Inside the joint, the particles are designed to act as micro-cushions that supplement worn cartilage, and they are gradually absorbed by the surrounding tissues. Research in dogs is still at an early stage, so Dr. Pedraza will discuss whether it fits your dog's situation.

What happens on the day

1. Exam and planning

   Dr. Pedraza re-checks the joint and reviews X-rays. If new images are needed, they can be taken on site with our digital X-ray. You receive instructions about food, water and current medications beforehand.

2. Sedation and monitoring

   Dogs are usually sedated or briefly anesthetized so they stay still and comfortable, with breathing and heart rate monitored throughout.

3. Sterile preparation

   The hair over the joint is clipped and the skin is scrubbed with a surgical antiseptic. Careful sterile technique is the main protection against joint infection.

4. The injection

   The needle is placed into the joint and the treatment is injected slowly. For PRP, the blood sample is collected and prepared first. The injection itself usually takes only minutes.

5. Going home

   Most dogs go home once they are awake and steady on their feet, with written instructions for the days that follow.

Aftercare and what to expect

• The first day or two: rest at home, with short leash walks for bathroom breaks only. No running, jumping, stairs or rough play.
• The following weeks: a gradual return to normal activity. Some treatments, such as Arthramid Vet, need a longer period of controlled exercise; your written instructions explain the plan for your dog.
• Mild soreness can happen. Some dogs are a little stiffer, or have slight swelling at the joint, for a day or two. This usually settles on its own.
• Improvement is gradual. When an injection helps, the change usually builds over the following weeks rather than overnight. Some dogs respond well, some modestly and some not at all.
• Follow-up. A recheck lets Dr. Pedraza see how the joint is doing and plan next steps, including whether to repeat the treatment.

Call us at (310) 310-3704 if lameness gets worse after the first couple of days, the joint looks very swollen or feels hot, or your dog seems lethargic, feverish or stops eating. These can be signs of infection, which is uncommon but needs prompt treatment.

Risks

Serious complications are uncommon when joint injections are performed with careful sterile technique, but no procedure is completely risk-free. Possible risks include:

• Reactions to sedation or anesthesia, which are uncommon; every dog is assessed beforehand and the sedation plan is tailored to them
• A temporary flare, with more soreness for a day or two
• Swelling or bruising at the injection site or, for PRP, where blood was drawn
• Joint infection (septic arthritis), which is uncommon but serious
• No improvement: injections do not reverse arthritis or rebuild normal cartilage

Combining injections with surgery and rehabilitation

Joint injections tend to be most useful as one part of a complete joint-care plan:

• With arthroscopy. When a joint problem is treated arthroscopically, an injection may support the joint during recovery. Learn about arthroscopy.
• With TPLO. TPLO stabilizes a knee with a torn cruciate ligament; injections do not replace that surgery, but they may help manage arthritis in the knee afterward. Read about TPLO and other cruciate techniques.
• With laser therapy. We offer therapeutic laser treatment, a non-invasive light therapy used to help ease inflammation.
• With weight management and exercise. Keeping your dog lean, and exercising at the right level, is one of the most effective ways to protect arthritic joints.

Talk with Dr. Pedraza about your dog's joints

Call (310) 310-3704 to book a consultation at our Santa Monica clinic. You receive a written estimate before any treatment, and we accept CareCredit. Veterinary partners can coordinate care for a patient through our booking page.