Researchers Cite Merits of Synbiotics Product.

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 20, 1998--Synbiotics Corporation (NASDAQ:SBIO) said today that a study published in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association found the company's patented test for Canine Hip Dysplasia to be the most accurate method for predicting osteoarthritis in dogs--a problem that afflicts millions of dogs in the United States and around the world.

Reporting in the June/July issue, independent researchers at the University of Wisconsin compared five different radiographic methods and found Synbiotics' PennHIP(R) method to be the earliest and most reliable.

According to Ken Cohen, Synbiotics' President and CEO, "PennHIP(R) is one of a growing list of Synbiotics diagnostic products that are the clear technological leaders in their field, thanks to our strategic partners and a substantial in-house R&D effort."

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is the most common, heritable, orthopedic problem in dogs. It afflicts virtually all breeds, but is especially problematic in large and giant breeds. Clinically, the disease manifests itself in one of two ways: 1) a severe form that typically afflicts younger dogs and is usually characterized by marked pain and lameness, or 2) a more chronic form with a more gradual onset of clinical signs such as mild, intermittent pain, stiffness and restricted range of motion in the hips as the dog ages. In many cases, the chronic form may be clinically silent.

Dog breeders, owners and veterinarians have long sought a reliable method to accurately predict the likelihood of a dog developing CHD and passing that genetic trait to offspring. In 1983, Dr. Gail Smith, Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, began to actively research and develop the PennHIP(R) scientific method. Fifteen years of ongoing scientific study and publication have resulted in a diagnostic method capable of estimating the susceptibility for CHD in dogs as young as sixteen weeks.

Licensed by International Canine Genetics, Inc. in December, 1992, and acquired by Synbiotics in October, 1996, PennHIP(R) received a U.S. patent in January 1996. To date, more than 1,000 veterinarians have been trained in the PennHIP(R) procedure and over 18,000 dogs have been evaluated. Synbiotics develops, manufactures and markets veterinary diagnostics, vaccines and related animal health products.

With the exception of historical matters, the issues discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, including competition from larger companies, reliance on third-party manufacturers and distributors, possible technology improvements by others, the ability to assimilate acquired businesses, the seasonality of major portions of the Company's business and other risks set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly Form 10-KSB filed for the year ended December 31, 1997 and Form 10-QSB filed for the quarter ended June 30, 1998. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. These forward-looking statements represent the Company's judgment as of the date of the release. The Company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Visit the company's website at www.synbiotics.com.

CONTACT: Synbiotics Corporation

Michael K. Green, 619/451-3771

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Kenneth M.Cohen, 619/451-3771

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Financial Relations Board

Kathy Brunson, 312/266-7800

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Equity Communications

Ira Weingarten, 805/897-1880