Regenerative Medicine

Platlet Rich Plasma or PRP is blood plasma with highly concentrated blood platelets. Platelets are isolated from the horses own blood sample through centrifugation and then resuspension. This platelet rich preparation is the recommended treatment for tendon and ligament injuries as well as injuries that have not healed through controlled rest and excercise. PRP is injected with ultrasound guidance into the site of injury where they actively release a number of growth factors including transforming growth factor beta and platelet derived growth factor. These growth factors stimulate new blood vessel formation and the growth of new connective tissure producing a faster and stronger tendon repair than rest alone. The procedure is done on site with mild sedation and a local block all within about an hour. A physical therapy program of controlled exercise is then prescribed that is based on the size and extent of the injury seen on ultrasound examination. In most cases, only one PRP injection is required during the healing process.

IRAP or Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein is isolated from a blood sample through incubation and centrifugation for the treatment of arthritic inflamation of the joints. IRAP is prepared on site in our laboratory from a single blood collection. Each collection produces enough IRAP for 5 to 6 injections and can be stored for up to one year by freezing. IRAP is indicated for damaged joints that require a targeted therapy such as arthritis of the hocks, coffin joints, or tendons. It is frequently successful and eliminating joint pain when conventional treatments have failed. Typically three treatments are given just ten days apart. IRAP works with your horses own body to stimulate the repair of damaged tissue within the joint and decreasing inflammation.