PRP in veterinary medicine: Revolutionary healing opportunities for pets and sport horses

PRP in veterinary medicine: Revolutionary healing opportunities for pets and sport horses

PRP in veterinary medicine: Revolutionary healing opportunities for pets and sport horses

Introduction: When platelets become healers

Imagine your beloved pet suffers from chronic pain or is slow to recover from an injury. Or your precious sport horse can no longer take part in competitions due to a tendon injury. At times like these, we want nothing more than an effective, safe and natural treatment method. This is exactly where PRP therapy comes into play - an innovative treatment method that is already established in human medicine and is now becoming increasingly important in veterinary medicine.

PRP stands for "platelet-rich plasma". What sounds complicated at first is based on a simple but ingenious principle: the body's own healing powers are specifically boosted in order to accelerate regeneration processes and alleviate pain. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of PRP therapy for animals and show how this treatment method can improve the lives of pets and sport horses.

PRP in animals

What exactly is PRP and how does it work in animals?

The science behind the "liquid gold"

Blood platelets (thrombocytes) are small cell components in the blood that are primarily known for blood clotting. But they can do much more: they contain a large number of growth factors and bioactive proteins that are crucial for healing processes in the body. In PRP therapy, these platelets are concentrated and used specifically where the body needs support for healing.

The process begins with a simple blood sample taken from the animal. This blood is then processed in a special centrifuge, which separates the various blood components. The result is a concentrated plasma that is enriched with platelets - depending on the procedure, the concentration of platelets can be three to five times the normal level.

Dr. Jorge U. Carmona, a leading researcher in the field of veterinary PRP application, describes it aptly: "PRP is a simple, versatile and very cost-effective biomaterial that has gained importance in both human and veterinary medicine in recent years."

From theory to practice: this is how a PRP treatment works

The science behind the "liquid gold"

PRP treatment in animals is relatively uncomplicated and can be carried out on an outpatient basis in most cases. The typical procedure is as follows:

  1. Blood collection: a small amount of blood is taken from the animal using special PRP tubes (between 10 and 60 ml, depending on the size of the animal).
  2. Processing: The blood is processed in a PRP centrifuge to concentrate the platelets.
  3. Activation: In some cases, the PRP is activated before use to stimulate the release of growth factors.
  4. Application: The processed PRP is injected directly into the affected tissue. Depending on the condition, this can be done under ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement.
  5. Aftercare: After treatment, a short rest period of a few days is usually required before the animal is gradually reintroduced to normal activities.

The special thing about PRP therapy: As the material used is obtained from the animal's own blood, the risk of side effects or rejection reactions is minimal. This makes the treatment particularly safe and well tolerated.

Treatment procedure for PRP in animals

PRP for sport horses: When peak performance meets regeneration

Tendon injuries - every horse owner's nightmare

For owners of sport horses, tendon injuries are often a cause for despair. Whether dressage horse, show jumper or racehorse - an injury to the flexor tendons or fetlock carrier can mean the temporary or even permanent end of a sporting career. Conventional treatment of such injuries is lengthy and the prognosis is often uncertain.

This is where PRP therapy has established itself as a promising alternative. Studies show that injecting PRP directly into the damaged tendon can accelerate healing and improve the quality of the regenerated tissue. One notable aspect is that the newly formed tendon tissue is more similar in structure to the original tissue and less like the inferior scar tissue that often results from conventional healing.

PRP in horses

Case study: Dressage horse Maestro

An impressive example of the success of PRP therapy is the case of the dressage horse Maestro, a 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding who was successful at Grand Prix level. Following an acute injury to the fetlock origin on his right front leg, his career appeared to be in jeopardy. The ultrasound examination showed clear fiber tears in the area of origin of the fetlock beam.

After consulting with the vet, Maestro's owner decided on PRP treatment. After careful preparation of his own blood, three PRP injections were administered directly into the damaged area at two-week intervals. The last injection was followed by four months of controlled rehabilitation training.

The result was impressive: the ultrasound check-up showed a significant improvement in the tendon structure. Eight months after the injury, Maestro was able to train at his previous level again and successfully returned to competition.

Osteoarthritis in sport horses - more than just wear and tear

In addition to tendon injuries, osteoarthritis is a common problem in sport horses. The degenerative joint disease leads to pain, stiffness and limited mobility. Although traditional treatments such as cortisone injections can relieve pain in the short term, they often have negative long-term effects on the cartilage.

PRP therapy offers a different approach here: instead of just suppressing symptoms, it aims to reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. A study on 20 sport horses with osteoarthritis in the fetlock joint showed that after three PRP injections at two-week intervals, 80% of the horses showed a significant improvement in lameness. Particularly noteworthy: the positive effect lasted for over a year in many horses.

Dr. Ulrich Mengeler, an experienced equine orthopaedic surgeon, reports: "Since 2019, we have been using a ready-to-use regenerative drug consisting of stem cells and PRP for joint treatment in horses. The results are promising, especially in horses that have not responded sufficiently to conventional therapies."

PRP for dogs and cats: New hope for faithful companions

When man's best friend needs help

Not only sport horses, but also our faithful companions dogs and cats can benefit from PRP therapy. Especially in older animals suffering from degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, PRP can be a valuable treatment option.

One of the most common applications in dogs is the treatment of joint diseases. Larger breeds in particular, such as German Shepherds, Labradors and Golden Retrievers, are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which often leads to painful osteoarthritis in old age. PRP therapy can help to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Case study: Shepherd dog Max

Max, a 9-year-old German Shepherd, had been suffering from progressive coxarthrosis (osteoarthritis of the hip joint) for several years. Despite pain medication and nutritional supplements, his condition became increasingly worse. He had difficulty standing up, could no longer take long walks and avoided climbing stairs.

After two PRP injections three weeks apart, Max showed a significant improvement. His owners reported that he was happier and more active again, enjoyed longer walks and could even climb stairs again. The pain medication was significantly reduced. The effect of the treatment lasted for around 10 months before a booster was needed.

Innovative applications for cats

PRP therapy is also increasingly being used in cats. A particularly interesting study was conducted by Farghali et al. who investigated the efficacy of subconjunctival PRP injections in the treatment of corneal ulcers in cats and dogs.

The results were impressive: 50% of the dogs required two injections at one-week intervals, while 50% of the cats required three injections at the same interval to achieve complete healing of the corneal ulcers. Most remarkably, the treatment was also effective on corneal ulcers caused by feline herpesvirus type 1 - a condition that is often difficult to treat.

The researchers found that PRP treatment not only accelerated healing, but also led to a reduction in inflammatory markers and matrix metalloproteinases in the tear fluid. This suggests that PRP not only promotes regeneration, but also has anti-inflammatory properties.

PRP treatment for dogs and cats

Wound healing and skin problems: PRP as a natural accelerator

When wounds don't want to heal

Chronic wounds pose a particular challenge in veterinary medicine. Whether caused by accidents, surgery or illness, if wounds do not heal properly, this can lead to complications and significantly affect the animal's well-being.

A clinical study by Iacopetti et al. investigated the effect of PRP on large skin wounds in dogs. Six dogs with large, subacute skin wounds were treated with two consecutive PRP applications, with the second application taking place after 15 days. The results were promising: the PRP-treated dogs showed a good clinical response in terms of wound contraction, re-epithelialization and healing, with no complications related to PRP treatment.

The authors concluded that PRP "may represent a simple, inexpensive and effective alternative to promote healing processes in subacute large wounds in dogs."

PRP for skin diseases: More than just wound healing

In addition to wound healing, PRP is also used for various skin diseases. In dogs with atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, the local application of PRP can help to reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier.

PRP can also be a valuable addition to conventional therapy for cats with skin wounds that heal poorly or with chronic skin diseases. The growth factors in PRP promote the formation of new blood vessels and stimulate collagen production, which leads to improved skin quality.

The antibacterial power of PRP: an unexpected bonus

Natural defense against bacteria

An intriguing aspect of PRP therapy that is often overlooked is its potential antibacterial effect. A study by Attili et al. investigated the antibacterial properties of various platelet-related hemocomponents in dogs, including platelet-rich plasma, platelet gel, platelet lysate and fibrin glue.

The researchers tested these substances against various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Surprisingly, they found that these hemocomponents have a bacteriostatic effect against Gram-negative bacteria, regardless of the concentration of platelets and leukocytes in the hemocomponents studied.

This finding opens up new possibilities for the use of PRP in infections, especially in times of increasing antibiotic resistance. The authors of the study concluded that "non-transfusional hemocomponents could be useful in combating bacterial infections in dogs."

PRP natural defenses

Practical aspects: What pet owners should know

Costs and availability

One question that concerns many pet owners is the cost of PRP treatment. The good news is that compared to many other advanced treatments, PRP is relatively inexpensive. Costs vary by region, veterinary practice and specific application, but are typically between 200 and 600 euros per treatment.

The availability of PRP therapy is steadily increasing as more veterinarians acquire the necessary equipment and expertise. The treatment is now particularly well established in specialized veterinary clinics and among vets specializing in orthopaedics or sports medicine.

Is PRP suitable for every animal?

Although PRP offers many benefits, it is important to understand that it is not the optimal solution for every animal or condition. Factors such as age, general health and the specific condition play an important role in determining whether PRP is the right choice.

Contraindications to PRP therapy may include

  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Active infections in the treatment area
  • Certain cancers
  • Severe systemic diseases

A detailed discussion with the attending veterinarian is essential to decide whether PRP is suitable for your pet.

The right aftercare: the key to success

The success of a PRP treatment depends not only on the treatment itself, but also on proper aftercare. Depending on the condition treated and the type of animal, aftercare recommendations may vary, but some general guidelines include

  1. Rest period: a short rest period of 2-3 days is usually required after treatment to give the PRP time to take effect.
  2. Controlled exercise program: Especially for orthopaedic applications, gradual, controlled exercise is important to support healing without overloading the treated tissue.
  3. Regular check-ups: Follow-up examinations with the vet help to monitor the healing process and adjust the treatment protocol if necessary.
  4. Supplementary measures: Depending on the condition, supplementary measures such as physiotherapy, an adapted diet or nutritional supplements can support the success of PRP therapy.

The future of PRP in veterinary medicine

Research and development

Research on PRP in veterinary medicine is progressing rapidly. Current research focuses include:

  1. Optimizing PRP composition: scientists are working to determine the ideal concentration of platelets and other blood components for various applications.
  2. Combination with other regenerative therapies: Combining PRP with stem cells or other regenerative approaches is showing promising results in preclinical studies.
  3. New areas of application: The use of PRP in neurological disorders, liver disease and other previously under-researched areas is being actively investigated.
  4. Long-term studies: More comprehensive long-term studies are being conducted to better understand the durability of results and possible long-term effects.
PRP future animals

PRP and personalized veterinary medicine

One particularly exciting trend is the development towards personalized PRP therapy. Similar to human medicine, veterinarians are increasingly recognizing that not all PRP is the same and that the optimal composition can vary depending on the species, disease and even the individual animal.

Advanced techniques for characterizing PRP, such as flow cytometry and proteomic analysis, make it possible to determine the exact composition of PRP and adjust it if necessary. This could lead to even more targeted and effective treatments in the future.

Conclusion: A natural revolution in veterinary medicine

PRP therapy is a remarkable development in veterinary medicine. It uses the animal's own healing powers to accelerate regeneration processes and alleviate pain - an approach that is both effective and gentle.

From sport horses with tendon injuries to dogs with osteoarthritis and cats with corneal ulcers - the possible applications are diverse and constantly growing. The minimal side effects and low risk of complications make PRP an attractive option for many pet owners looking for alternative or complementary treatments.

As research progresses and our understanding of the complex workings of PRP grows, we can look forward to further innovations and improvements in this fascinating area of veterinary medicine.

If your pet is suffering from a chronic condition or recovering from an injury, PRP may be an option worth exploring. A discussion with your veterinarian can help you decide if this innovative therapy is right for your four-legged friend.

Scientific studies and further reading

  1. Carmona JU, Perego R, Proverbio D. Editorial: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in Companion and Farm Animals. Front Vet Sci. 2022;8:834546. doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.834546
  2. Iacopetti I, Perazzi A, Martinello T, et al. Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Enhances the Healing of Large Cutaneous Wounds in Dogs. Front Vet Sci. 2020;7:575449. doi:10.3389/fvets.2020.575449
  3. Farghali HA, AbdElKader NA, Khattab MS, AbuBakr HO. Corneal Ulcer in Dogs and Cats: Novel Clinical Application of Regenerative Therapy Using Subconjunctival Injection of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma. Front Vet Sci. 2021;8:641265. doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.641265
  4. Attili AR, Cantalamessa A, Serri E, et al. Antibacterial Properties of Canine Platelet-Rich Plasma and Other Non-Transfusional Hemo-Components: An in vitro Study. Front Vet Sci. 2021;8:647875. doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.647875
  5. Camargo-Garbin M, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Garrido E, Júnior JIR, Carmona JU. A Critical Overview of the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Equine Medicine Over the Last Decade. Front Vet Sci. 2021;8:679448. doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.679448
  6. Tambella AM, Martin S, Cantalamessa A, Serri E, Attili AR. Platelet-rich plasma and other hemocomponents in veterinary regenerative medicine. Wounds. 2018;30:329-336.
  7. Gaus M. Controlled study on the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of tendinopathies in horses [Dissertation]. University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover; 2016.
  8. Bosch G, van Schie HT, de Groot MW, et al. Effects of platelet-rich plasma on the quality of repair of mechanically induced core lesions in equine superficial digital flexor tendons: A placebo-controlled experimental study. J Orthop Res. 2010;28(2):211-217. doi:10.1002/jor.20980
  9. Franklin SP, Cook JL. Prospective trial of autologous conditioned plasma versus hyaluronan plus corticosteroid for elbow osteoarthritis in dogs. Can Vet J. 2013;54(9):881-884.
  10. Fahie MA, Ortolano GA, Guercio V, et al. A randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of autologous platelet therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2013;243(9):1291-1297. doi:10.2460/javma.243.9.1291

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. The decision to undergo PRP treatment should always be made in consultation with a qualified veterinarian who can assess your pet's individual situation.

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