PRP Therapy
PRP Therapy is Cutting-Edge but Minimally Invasive
We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Henry and our Kimberling team are now able to offer PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma, therapy to treat joint disease and injuries, promote healing, and reduce recovery time in dogs and cats using their own blood.
What exactly is PRP? It’s a super-concentrated mix of platelets and other growth factors that jumpstart the healing process by promoting coagulation and stimulating the formation of fibrin. These platelets also promote new tissue growth.
PRP can be used to treat a wide array of conditions, including:
- Arthritis
- Chronic pain
- Lameness
- Joint pain
- Degenerative disc disease
- Tendon injury
- Ligament injury
- Hip dysplasia
The benefits of PRP are extensive. Not only do they present an alternative to expensive surgery and monthly drugs; they also speed the healing process, increase the range of motion in joints, and treat the affected area, not the entire body. And they can be employed early in the degenerative cycle instead of waiting until your pet is debilitated and needs surgery.
How Does PRPs Work?
When platelets are exposed to an area of damage, they become activated and the growth factors are released. Because these are the body’s natural responses to injury, PRP treatment fuels the healing process. Other cell types associated with platelets that clean up and rebuild tissue are then attracted to the area and tissue repair and regeneration begin
The concentrated numbers of platelets in PRP contain huge reservoirs of bioactive proteins/growth factors which:
- Initiate and accelerate tendon, ligament, and cartilage repair and regeneration
- Decrease inflammatory mediators in osteoarthritis
- Reduce pain and improve articular function in osteoarthritis
What to Expect During a PRP Treatment
We use a mild sedation and draw a small quantity of blood. We then use a centrifuge and other specialized equipment to separate the platelets from the blood and create an ultra-rich mixture of the patient’s own platelets and plasma which we, using a numbing agent, carefully inject back into the affected area. This stimulates the healing process right where it is needed most.
The procedure is very easy on the patient and they go home with little to no after-effects. They need only rest and restrict activity for a few days. We monitor the patient’s progress over the next few months.
PRP is not a miracle cure. The success rate is about 70%. However, for a minimally invasive procedure in injuries and chronic conditions that are notoriously hard to heal, that’s pretty impressive and on par with most expensive drug treatments.
This therapy can even be used in conjunction with the advanced orthopedic surgeries that we offer through our partner vet, Dr. Allen.
If you think your pet might be a good candidate for PRP therapy, call us at 417-739-4090 for a consultation today!