Veterinary PRP Therapy

The world of veterinary medicine continues to evolve and with it comes new treatment modalities. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a prime example of this evolution. For years it has been used in human medicine to help in treating arthritis, improve bone grafts, heal muscle, tendon and ligament injuries, and promote wound healing. It is not until recently that PRP therapy and its benefits has made its way over to veterinary medicine.

Keep reading to discover how platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy works to heal various soft tissue injuries for canines using the patient’s own cells.

What exactly is PRP and why is it beneficial?

Platelet Rich Plasma is an autologous (self-derived) conditioned plasma that contains a high concentration of platelets. Platelets contain numerous growth factors that facilitate tissue repair and healing. These growth factors are contained in the alpha granule portion of the cell and are released from the platelet when it is activated (usually at an area of injury.) A few examples of these growth factors are: 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.) Roles of these growth factors range from blood vessel development and repair to cellular recruitment to stem cell activation.

What can PRP be used for?

In veterinary medicine, PRP has been used for a wide range of indications including acute and chronic soft tissue injuries, osteoarthritis, and even certain spinal conditions. Because PRP is obtained from the patient’s own blood, there is minimal risk and the positive effects of treatment can last for up to a year. In addition to these benefits, PRP is relatively inexpensive and can be done at patient-side in less than 30 minutes with a quality, canine validated system.

A small amount of blood is taken from your dog and is processed using a specialized system that concentrates the platelets and the plasma. Once the PRP processing is complete, it is injected directly into the area of injury.

How long does the procedure take?

Processing for PRP can be done in-house here at South Paws in less than 25 minutes from start to finish. Many of our clients will opt to have a PRP treatments performed at the time of their dog’s joint surgery (Cruciate and Meniscal tears, Elbow Dysplasia, Shoulder OCD)

Will my dog need anesthesia?

Your dog may need to only be sedated for injection, depending on the location of injured tissue.

How long before I see results from PRP therapy?

Results from PRP therapy vary depending on the injury being treated. Fifty percent of dogs require a second treatment of PRP for clinical results to be apparent.

How long do results last?

We have noted therapeutic effects to last between 6 to 9 months for dogs with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

Are there any side-effects?

Because PRP is from your dog’s own blood, there are usually very few side effects from treatment. We will discuss any risks with you prior to the procedure. Immediately after treatment, your dog may be sore from the injection, but this soreness should subside within a few days. All anti-inflammatory medications (ex. Rimadyl, Previcoxx, Metacam, and Deramax) should be avoided for a period of 10 days post injection. Typically, Tylenol-4 or Tramadol is administered to keep your pet comfortable during that initial 10 days. If you have any concerns about your pet following treatment, you can always contact us at South Paws directly.