Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy for Dogs

Harnessing Your Dog's Own Healing Power

When your dog is dealing with arthritis, a ligament injury, or a painful tendon condition, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy can provide an innovative way to support the body's natural healing process.

PRP is a form of regenerative medicine that uses your dog's own blood to concentrate platelets and their natural healing properties. These platelets contain beneficial molecules and growth factors that can stimulate tissue repair, support healthy blood vessel growth, and help reduce inflammation.

At Holladay Veterinary Hospital, we use the Dechra ProVet APC system to prepare platelet rich plasma for targeted treatment.

What Is PRP Therapy?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), also known as Autologous Platelet Concentrate (APC), is a treatment that concentrates platelets from your dog's own blood and delivers them directly to an area that needs healing.

Platelets are a normal type of blood cell that play an important role in the body's natural healing process. They contain numerous growth factors and other beneficial molecules that can help signal and support tissue repair.

During PRP treatment, a small blood sample is collected from your dog. The sample is processed using the ProVet APC system, which separates the red blood cells and fluid from the platelets and white blood cells. The concentrated platelet preparation is then injected into the affected joint, tendon, or other treatment area.

How Does PRP Therapy Work?

Once concentrated platelets are delivered to the affected area, they release growth factors and other signaling molecules that can support the body's natural repair processes.

PRP may help stimulate:

• New blood vessel growth

• Stem cell activity

• Cartilage and bone cell growth

• Tissue repair and regeneration

• The release of natural anti-inflammatory chemicals

• The body's overall healing response

Because PRP uses your dog's own blood, it provides a concentrated source of naturally occurring healing factors directly where they are needed.

What Conditions Can PRP Help Treat?

PRP therapy is primarily used in dogs and may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for a variety of orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions.

Arthritis

PRP may help dogs with arthritis by supporting the health of affected joints and helping manage inflammation and discomfort. It can be incorporated into a broader pain management and mobility plan.

Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

Dogs with hip or elbow dysplasia may experience chronic joint inflammation, pain, and progressive arthritis. PRP may be used to support joint health and help manage associated discomfort.

ACL/CCL Injuries

PRP can be particularly useful for dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, sometimes referred to as ACL injuries.

Depending on your dog's individual circumstances, PRP may be considered for:

• Partial ligament tears

• Complete ligament ruptures

• Supporting recovery after surgery, such as TPLO

• Cases where surgery is not an option

• The opposite knee, potentially as a preventative treatment for future injury

Your veterinarian will determine whether PRP is appropriate based on the severity of the injury, your dog's overall health, and their individual treatment needs.

Tendinitis

PRP may also be used for certain tendon injuries and tendinitis. Concentrated platelets and their growth factors can help stimulate the body's natural healing response in damaged tendon tissue.

What to Expect During PRP Treatment

Unlike laser and shockwave therapy, PRP treatment requires sedation and shaving the fur around the area being treated.

The process generally involves:

1. Blood Collection - A small sample of blood is collected from your dog.

2. Blood Processing - The blood sample is processed using the Dechra ProVet APC system. The system uses centrifugation to separate the red blood cells and fluid, concentrating the platelets and white blood cells.

3. PRP Preparation - The concentrated platelet preparation is collected for treatment.

4. Targeted Injection - The PRP is injected directly into the affected joint, tendon, or other targeted area.

By delivering concentrated platelets directly to the area of concern, PRP therapy helps place these naturally occurring healing factors where they can be most useful.

Is PRP Therapy Safe for Dogs?

PRP uses your dog's own blood, making it a personalized regenerative therapy. However, as with any medical procedure involving sedation and injection, your veterinarian will first evaluate whether PRP is an appropriate option for your dog.

Treatment recommendations will depend on your dog's diagnosis, overall health, the severity of the condition, and their individual healing needs.

PRP as Part of a Comprehensive Treatment Plan

PRP therapy can be used as part of a broader approach to managing orthopedic conditions and supporting recovery. Depending on your dog's needs, your veterinarian may recommend combining regenerative therapies with other treatments, such as rehabilitation, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, medication, or surgery.

The goal is to create an individualized treatment plan that supports healing, comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

Supporting Your Dog's Natural Healing

From arthritis and joint dysplasia to CCL injuries and tendon problems, PRP therapy offers a way to harness your dog's own platelets and growth factors to support the body's natural repair processes.

If your dog is experiencing joint pain, an orthopedic injury, or a chronic tendon condition, talk with our veterinary team to find out whether Platelet Rich Plasma therapy may be an appropriate treatment option.

Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.