Regenerative Therapy

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)

Platelet Rich Plasma offers a safe and natural cell therapy to relieve the pain of joint disease or injury, promote healing and reduce recovery time. PRP therapy can also be used post-op to heal from orthopedic surgical procedures. If surgical intervention is not an option, PRP treatment then be used as the primary treatment to aid in recovery.

Platelet rich plasma contains a high concentration of platelets that facilitate tissue healing and repair. Platelets contain numerous growth factors that facilitate tissue repair and healing. These growth factors, such as the Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β), Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) are all contained within the platelet cell. When injury occurs, the platelet becomes activated and releases all of these growth factors. The healing and tissue repair process now begins.

Use of the patient’s own blood helps eliminate the risk of disease transmission and allergic reactions. The blood sample is then centrifuged to get the PRP. This new platelet rich plasma is then injected into the affected area of the patient.

By concentrating the factors in platelet rich plasma and injecting them directly into the site of injury, we give a boost to the body’s natural ability to heal. Depending on the severity of your pets condition being treated, the Doctor will inform you of when your pets next treatment is due. Most pets benefit from two treatments. Patients have retained the benefits from their treatments for over a year.

Regenerative therapies, including platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be used for a wide range of conditions including:

• Osteoarthritis (from mild to severe) in multiple joints
• Ligament Injuries
• Tendon Injuries
• Post-op Recovery of Orthopedic surgery

How PRP is Performed?

• A blood sample is drawn from the pet patient needing treatment.
• Using special equipment, the blood is spun in the centrifuge until the liquid part of the blood (also known as the plasma) and the platelets can be separated from the red and white blood cells. In doing so, the plasma consists of the greater concentration of platelets.
• These platelets are then activated using a series of substances and procedures that will stimulate the release of their growth factors (se above).
• The plasma is then injected into the affected joint or tissue area to initiate healing

The process ranges between 40 to 60 minutes depending on the number of joints being treated by the Doctor. Your pet is usually sedated during this process and often will not feel a thing. However, following the procedure, your pet may experience a little discomfort about 20 minutes post surgery. The recovery process is quite mild and pet owners have reported seeing results as early as a few days. Keep in mind that PRP is usually a “same day” procedure, meaning you and your pet will be able to return home that same day. When you come to pick up your pet after the procedure, you will meet with one of our licensed nurses, who will review with you a tailored home care recovery plan. PRP Treatments can significantly enhance your pet’s living.

Companion Animal Health served as the reference material for this content.