Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is derived by removing red blood cells from whole blood and isolating platelets. A sample of blood is taken from a patient and then spun down in a centrifuge. The platelet-rich plasma and platelets are removed with dual action Arthrex syringe. The red blood cells are discarded.

The leftover 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.

PRP is a form of regenerative medicine that has been proposed to treat inflammatory conditions that affect ligaments, muscles, and tendons, or joint issues such as arthritis.

The theory is that by injecting PRP at the site of inflammation, that it will promote healing of the affected tissue and reduce inflammation.

Treatments for dysplasia, osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis, tendinopathy

Since PRP therapy requires using a patient’s own blood to harvest the sample, side effects appear to be minimal, but they may include pain, irritation, or bleeding at the site of the injection. However, side effects are not well established or studied at this time in veterinary medicine.

Patients often require sedation or general anesthesia when receiving PRP therapy, as it is injected directly into the affected joint or site,  or guided by ultrasound. Patients may require multiple injections for the treatment to be effective.

• Collect 15mls of the patient’s blood in to Arthrex dual syringe.
• Centrifuge the blood to separate the plasma and platelets from red blood cells.
• Extract the concentrated platelet-rich plasma from the centrifuged sample.
• Prepare the treatment area by cleaning and sterilizing it.
• Inject the PRP directly into the injured or affected tissue (joints and tendons).

Patient should be activity restricted for 6 weeks. No running, jumping, or rough play should be permitted. Light physical therapy is recommended starting in 2 weeks however high impact activity should be avoided.

An injection that is collagen and elastin based intra-articular injection used in dogs to manage joint pain, osetoarthritis and coartilage damage. Acting as a biological micro-cushion, it integrates into the synovial fluid to improve joint biomechanics, reduce inflammation, and decreases the need for oral NSAIDs.

How It Works & What to Expect

• The Technology: It is not a drug, but an engineered biomaterial (composed of bovine collagen, elastin, and porcine heparin glycan) that mimics natural cartilage.
• Procedure: Administered directly into the joint space by a veterinarian, usually under heavy sedation or light anesthesia rather than full general anesthesia.
• Onset & Duration: Pain relief typically begins within a few hours to a week, and the cushioning effect can last anywhere from six months to over a year.
• Activity restrictions post injection: Patient needs to be rested (i.e. in a kennel, only going out on a leash to use the bathroom) for the next 10-14 days at home. After that time, he can work back to normal activity levels as they tolerate it at home
• Risks & Side Effects: Common side effects include mild joint discomfort or stiffness that may occur within the first 48 hours. Some animals can experience temporary swelling or tenderness 7 to 14 days post-injection as the material integrates into the tissue.