One of the other things that platelets do is to produce and release growth factors that stimulate the healing process.

PRP is a process where a blood sample is taken from the horse and is processed to obtain a blood product with a high concentration of platelets. This can be injected into a diseased area resulting in a very high level of growth factors, stimulating the healing process. The other beauty of the treatment is that in the preparation of the PRP the white blood cells are removed which is important as it is these that produce the degrading enzymes and inflammatory mediators that produce the adverse effects. Therefore, PRP is maximising the positive aspects and removing the negative ones, to optimise the healing process.

Where can PRP be used?

The areas of potential benefit from the use of PRP are where tissue has been damaged and needs to be repaired. Areas of tissue that have relatively poor blood supply and will therefore receive less platelets benefit particularly, e.g. tendon and ligament injuries.

  • Superficial and deep flexor tendon injuries (bowed tendons)
  • Suspensory ligament injuries
  • Joints where cartilage has been damaged or where OCD has been treated
  • Wounds that are not healing
  • Corneal ulcers.

What are the potential side-effects of PRP?

Since the platelets are from the same horse that is treated, the risks of side effects are very low. Care is taken both in the collection of the blood and in the process of obtaining the PRP to prevent bacterial contamination.

Depending on how and where the PRP is to be administered there may be some risks - injecting any substance anywhere in a horse carries a risk of secondary infection or inflammatory reaction. Care is taken in preparation and administration of the treatment to reduce this risk as much as possible.

What is the Treatment Protocol?

This will depend on what tissue/structure is being treated. The veterinary surgeon dealing with your horse will be best placed to explain what the protocol will be for your particular horse and its condition.

For further information on platelet rich plasma please contact the clinic to speak to any of the vets.