What is IRAP?
IRAP stands for Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein. You may also hear it referred to as Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS). It is a product processed from the horse's own blood that can be used to treat a variety of joint, muscle and tendon injuries.
How does it work?
When an injury occurs the body's repair process results in the production of a number of substances in and around the injury. Whilst the majority of these substances are required for healing to take place, some substances can slow down healing or result in further damage. Interleukin-1 is one of these substances. IRAP, manufactured in the clinic from a sample of blood from the horse, can be injected into the site of damage to reduce interleukin-1 levels and, in turn, reduce the levels of other potentially damaging substances. This results in reduced pain and inflammation for the horse and a better, faster recovery.
What does it involve?
A blood sample is taken from the horse under sterile conditions at the clinic or at your yard. This is then incubated, centrifuged and the serum collected within 24 hours of the sample being taken.
Once collected the IRAP can be injected into an affected joint or area immediately. In addition up to five additional treatments can be frozen for up to seven months and can be used to repeat the treatment as necessary (for most conditions three treatments are usually required).
What are the risks?
As with any joint injection there is a small risk of infection but if done properly the risks are very low and the treatment has been performed without problems in several thousand horses and humans.
Will IRAP help my horse and does it work?
Although no treatment works in all cases, IRAP has had some very good results. It can be useful in a number of cases particularly when more conventional treatments have been unsuccessful and following arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery where cartilage damage has been identified. It is worth noting that IRAP may not be the most appropriate treatment for all conditions.
Can I compete my horse under FEI, BSJA, BD, BE, HBLB etc, rules?
IRAP is a completely natural product and there are no restrictions of its use in competition horses.
For further information on the use of IRAP please contact the clinic to speak to any of the vets or visit the IRAP website at www.genitrix.co.uk/2008ProductsHorses-Irap.php
