Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses your pets own blood to accelerate the healing response in damaged tissues. In response to an injury or tissue damage, the body naturally directs platelets (clotting cells) and white blood cells from the blood to the injured area to initiate healing.
When a concentrated solution of platelets and white blood cells from the patient’s own blood is injected directly into injured tissue, the same healing response is stimulated, but in a more powerful and concentrated manner. By enhancing the body’s natural healing capacity, the treatment may lead to a faster, more efficient and more thorough restoration of the tissue.
PRP can be used for many ailments in both dogs and cats. Treatment is ideal for pets that have:
• Osteoarthritis
• Tendonitis
• Dental Work
• Ligament Sprains or Tears
• Bursitis
• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Muscle Tears
• Surgical Incisions
• Spay/Neuter Incisions
• Much more (essentially any healing process)
What is Involved with PRP?
The first step is to draw some blood. Then the blood is spun down in our laboratory and separated into red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Your pet is then placed under a local or short general anesthesia and the platelet-rich concentration is injected into the injured site(s).
Are PRP Injections Safe?
Research and clinical data have shown that PRP injections are extremely safe, with minimal risk for any adverse reaction or complication. There is no concern for rejection or disease transmission because; PRP is made up from your pet’s own blood.
What are the Side-Effects?
Following the initial injection, your pet may experience some soreness at the site of the treatment. Most pets can resume normal activity after a week—the recovery and rehabilitation instructions will be tailored to your pet’s needs and abilities.
Ask your VCA veterinarian if PRP is right for your pet.
