Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

What is Platelet Rich Plasma

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a highly concentrated blood sample that contains isolated cells (platelets) and the fluid portion of blood (plasma). PRP is a form of regenerative medicine that has been proposed to treat inflammatory conditions that affect ligaments, muscles, and tendons, such as osteoarthritis. It may also help with bone regeneration after a bone fracture. PRP has also been proposed as an aid to promote the healing of skin wounds and dental disease. The theory is that injecting PRP at the site of inflammation, will promote healing of the affected tissue and reduce inflammation. When used as a therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma can help regenerate and heal tissues by:

  • Recruiting cells to an area of injury to clean up dead and injured cells

  • Releasing proteins called “Growth Factors” which are responsible for tissue regeneration

What is involved with Platelet Rich Plasma therapy?

If one of our veterinarians has determined that Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is right for your pet, you will need to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gail Counts who can treat your pet with Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy in our office. During this treatment, a small amount of blood is taken from your dog and is processed using a specialized system that concentrates the platelets and plasma. The red blood cells are removed with a pipette and discarded. The left-over concentrate is called PRP which contains platelets and proteins that can then be used to promote healing and treat areas of inflammation in the body. Once the Platelet Rich Plasma processing is complete, it is injected directly into the area of injury.

What results can be expected from Platelet Rich Plasma therapy?

Many veterinarians have noted therapeutic effects last between 6-12 months for dogs with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

What are the side effects and risks of PRP therapy?

Since PRP therapy requires using a patient's own blood to harvest the sample (autologous), side effects appear to be minimal, but they may include pain, irritation, or bleeding at the site of the injection.

Patients do require sedation or general anesthesia when receiving PRP therapy, as it is injected directly into the affected joint or site. Talk to one of our veterinarians about the risks of sedation and anesthesia. Patients often require multiple injections in order for the treatment to be effective.

Cheyene Gonzalez