Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
What is PRP and how does it work?
Platelets are structures that are found in the blood. They have a number of functions including being involved in the start of the blood-clotting process.
One of the other things that Platelets do, is to produce and release growth factors that stimulate the healing process.
PRP is a way of processing blood from the same horse that is to be treated and concentration the platelets into a sample of the plasma so that much larger numbers of platelets can be administered into the site being treated than would get there under natural processes. 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 therefore, will receive less platelets, will 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 processing the PRP to prevent bacterial contamination.
Depending on how and where the PRP is to be administered there may be some risks e.g. injecting any substance into 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.
What is the cost of PRP?
Harvesting and processing the blood sample to produce PRP costs: £ ???
Administering the PRP into a joint costs £???
Additional administraions cost £???
What is PRP and how does it work?
Platelets are structures that are found in the blood. They have a number of functions including being involved in the start of the blood-clotting process.
One of the other things that Platelets do, is to produce and release growth factors that stimulate the healing process.
PRP is a way of processing blood from the same horse that is to be treated and concentration the platelets into a sample of the plasma so that much larger numbers of platelets can be administered into the site being treated than would get there under natural processes. 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 therefore, will receive less platelets, will 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 processing the PRP to prevent bacterial contamination.
Depending on how and where the PRP is to be administered there may be some risks e.g. injecting any substance into 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.
What is the cost of PRP?
Harvesting and processing the blood sample to produce PRP costs: £ ???
Administering the PRP into a joint costs £???
Additional administraions cost £???
