Use of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in Small Animal Orthopedic Practice

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) products are receiving increasing attention and use in human and veterinary orthopaedics. These products are derived from a patient’s whole blood sample and are typically defined as a plasma portion of whole blood that contains at least two times the concentration of platelets that are in whole blood. These platelet-rich products are then injected or placed on or in scaffolds to be delivered to a site of injury or degeneration as a form of therapy. PRP therapies are based on the principles of growth factor supplementation, chemotaxis, and function as a tissue scaffold. Several studies have shown efficacy of these treatments for several musculoskeletal disorders in humans and horses, and they are being used with increased frequency for augmentation of tendon and ligament healing, and adjunctive therapy for epicondylitis, fasciitis, tendinosis, and osteoarthritis. Anecdotal evidence in small animal orthopaedics has been reported for use in similar conditions.

Autogenous Conditioned Plasma (ACP) (Arthrex, Naples, FL USA) is one of the platelet-based therapies for musculoskeletal disorders in use currently. We have performed two studies to determine the optimal protocol for obtaining ACP in dogs and to evaluate the efficacy of a single intra-articular injection of ACP for treatment of osteoarthritis secondary to elbow dysplasia in dogs. The latter study was a prospective, randomized, cohort study in clinical patients using a single intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid + steroid as a comparison. We have also used ACP for treatment in a number of clinical canine patients with various orthopaedic disorders.  […]