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Platelet Rich Plasma Injection

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be purified from a sample of your pet's blood, and contains a mixture of plasma, the liquid part of blood, and platelets, which are specialized blood cells that contain proteins that are important for clotting and growth. When injected into injured areas, PRP can help regenerate tissues by recruiting cells to the injured area to clean up dead and damaged cells, and by releasing growth factors that are responsible for tissue regeneration. PRP injections can be useful in treating tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, soft tissue injuries, neurological diseases, wounds, and bone injuries. More specifically, PRP injections have been shown to: 

  • Increase lubrication of joint space

  • Preserve cartilage

  • Increase the production and preservation of factors important in maintaining cartilage

  • Decrease inflammation 

  • Reduce pain

  • Accelerate healing and repair in ligament and tendon tears through release of growth factors and attraction of cells to the site of injury 

  • Increase tensile strength of tendons, decreasing the likelihood of re-injury in the area 

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Notably, your pet should not have a PRP injection if any of the following conditions apply to them:

  • Cancer

  • Platelet disorders (thrombocytopenia) 

  • Septic joints

  • Active infections 

  • Immune-mediated diseases

  • Currently taking anticoagulant/platelet-inhibiting medications 

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PRP injection is a low risk procedure, as the sample comes from your pet's own blood supply. However, it is important to know that PRP injections are done under anesthesia and require your pet to be sedated. The main risks associated with PRP injections include general risks of anesthesia, in addition to infection and injection site pain. About one in three pets also experience lameness in the site of the injection for 24-48 hours after the procedure. 

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If you would like to learn more about PRP injections, please visit this written resource by Companion Animal Health. Companion Animal Health also created a helpful Youtube video describing the therapeutic effects of this treatment option.  

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