Platelet rich plasma (prp) injections

Platelet Rich Plasma is derived from removing red blood cells from whole blood and then isolating the platelets. The isolated platelets contain alpha granules. These granules carry substances call cytokine or growth factors.  This is the foundation of PRP therapy. The growth factor substance helps attract other cells to the inflamed area and can also activate cells called fibroblasts and endothelial cells that help to repair wounded and inflamed tissues. 

• Imagine a joint capsule as a balloon – after chronic inflammation the “air” in the balloon deflates. When the joint capsule “deflates” the joint now has more friction and bone-on-bone contact. When we “re-inflate” the joint we are “filling the balloon”. This alone does not fix the joint, but it does increase its functionality and decrease bone-on-bone pain.

Additionally, some joints, in the earlier stages, have angry inflammatory cells filing the fluid in the capsule. When fluid is still present, we will remove the fluid containing the angry cells and replace it with fresh “happy” non-inflammatory fluid. This can help to aid in healing and comfort. Post injection the effects have been noted to last between 6 months and 1 year. The duration of effect depends upon the severity of your pet’s injury, osteoarthritis, and which joint was treated. In cases of severe osteoarthritis, a second injection may be needed several weeks later.

PRP is a sterile procedure and will be performed in our surgical suite. The PRP procedure itself can be a bit uncomfortable if the patient were to be awake as we use large needles to infuse plasma into the affected joint. Additionally, injections need to be placed specifically into the affected joint with minimal movement.  

 Your pet will be scheduled as a sedated procedure and will stay the day with us. Once you pet is fully under sedation we take a sterile blood sample. Then, we spin that sample down in a specially designed centrifuge. After the red blood cells and serum are removed the left-over concentrate (platelet rich plasma) contains regenerative platelets and proteins. Once your pet’s plasma is ready, it will then be injected into the affected joints by one of our veterinarians. We will then follow with cold laser treatment. Cold Laser is vital to assist in stimulating the regenerative process. Once your pet is awake and walking, we will call you to discuss how the procedure went and schedule a time for discharge.  

We do require that your pet DISCONTINUES NSAIDs 1 week prior to this procedure.

To gain the most from this procedure we strongly recommend a series of 8 Cold Laser Treatments (a minimum of 2 per week) as part of your pet’s aftercare AND strict rest for 2 weeks after treatment. Rest should include leash walking and refraining from running and jumping.  

Since we are using the patient’s own blood, side effects are minimal. Most side effects noted are: pain, irritation, bruising, bleeding at the injection site or rarely infection of the joint. We must also note that there is always a general risk involved with any patient undergoing sedation or general anesthesia.