On February 11, 2026, Frontiers in Veterinary Science published the first large-scale survey of intra-articular therapeutic usage among canine orthopedic and rehabilitation practitioners. 

The study, conducted by researchers at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists, 

collected data from 174 board-certified specialists across North America and Europe, revealing current clinical practices for non-steroidal intra-articular therapeutics (NSIATs) in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA).

Of the 164 participants who performed intra-articular injections, 144 (88%) routinely used NSIATs. The most commonly injected joint was the elbow, followed by the stifle and hip. 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and viscosupplements (hyaluronic acid and polyacrylamide hydrogels) emerged as the preferred products, 

with cellular therapy (stem cell concentrates) and radionuclide therapy (tin-117m/Synovetin OA®) also utilized.

 The top reason cited for product selection was "scientific data and articles published regarding the product's safety and efficacy,

" indicating that evidence-based medicine is driving clinical decisions in this rapidly evolving field.

According to the survey, most practitioners using PRP reported "substantial or some clinical improvement" in their patients. 

For viscosupplements, 40% of practitioners combined them with corticosteroids to enhance anti-inflammatory effects. 

The primary indication for NSIAT use, except for autologous protein solution (APS), was "chronic articular pathology needing maintenance or routine injections,

" with typical re-injection intervals ranging from 3 to 6 months.

Dr. Alyssa Velloso Alvarez, corresponding author, noted: "Osteoarthritis affects approximately 20% of the adult canine population, 

representing one of the most significant quality-of-life concerns in veterinary medicine. 

Our survey demonstrates that regenerative therapies have moved from experimental adjuncts to mainstream treatment options, 

but substantial variability remains in preparation methods, dosing protocols, and outcome assessment. Standardization is urgently needed".

The survey also identified barriers to NSIAT adoption, including product cost (cited by 67% of non-users), uncertainty about efficacy (54%), 

and lack of published long-term safety data (48%). An inflammatory response or "joint flare" following injection was reported in less than 5% of cases across all product categories, 

confirming a favorable safety profile. As the first systematic characterization of NSIAT usage patterns, 

this study provides a benchmark for future clinical trials and may inform the development of standardized treatment guidelines for canine OA management.