PRP therapy is a healing option for pets that our Huntington, NY, animal hospital offers to pets who are in need of treatment of a variety of problems in pets.
What Does PRP Mean?
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. Platelets are important blood cells in the body. They are responsible for making blood clots and sealing wounds. Platelets also contain proteins that help bodies heal.
Platelet Rich Plasma is when you remove the red blood cells from blood. You are left with platelets in plasma.
What is PRP Therapy?
PRP Therapy is the use of Platelet Rich Plasma to promote healing in the body. The theory is that if a vet injects Platelet Rich Plasma into an inflamed spot, that the platelets and the proteins in the plasma will promote healing.
This procedure is done in the vet office. You will be able to take your pet home unless they are being treated for a serious problem that requires extensive vet care.
One of the positives of PRP therapy is that it does not react with drugs or other treatments your pet may have. However, it is important to keep in mind that the sedative given to pets undergoing PRP therapy might react with other medications. Make sure your vet or emergency vet knows everything your pet is taking.
PRP therapy is not a quick fix. It promotes healing, so it takes time, but it can speed up the healing process. Depending on what is being treated it may take a few days or a few weeks to see results.
What Can PRP Therapy Be Used For?
PRP therapy for animals is still in its early stages but it has been proposed as a treatment for:
- Inflammatory conditions
- Bone regeneration
- Skin wounds
- Dental disease
- Sprained or damaged ligaments
- Damaged tendons
- Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative joint diseases
- Muscle tears
- Elbow and hip dysplasia
What Animals Can Receive PRP Therapy?
So far there have only been studies concerning canines receiving PRP therapy. The results have been promising. There have been no reported negative side effects for dogs treated with PRP therapy. However, PRP Therapy does require sedation in most cases. Your dog may react to the sedative.
PRP therapy may also be beneficial for cats although not known cases of it have been reported. As for other pets, we will have to wait and see.
How Often Can My Pet Receive PRP Therapy?
If you and your vet decide to try PRP therapy on your pet, you will need to set up a schedule. In most cases, it is safe for a pet to receive PRP therapy as often as every two weeks. For most issues, though, this won’t be necessary. Once a month, once every two months, or even once or twice a year may be all you need.
Pets That Should Not Receive PRP Therapy
Certain conditions make it impossible for your pet to benefit from PRP therapy. They may also make PRP therapy dangerous to your pet’s health. These include:
- Cancer
- Chemotherapy
- Immunosuppressant drugs
- Steroid drugs
- Anticoagulants
- Pets with clotting or blood disorders
Reach Out to Our Huntington, NY, Vets If Your Pet Is in Need of PRP Therapy
PRP therapy is relatively new in human medicine and it will take some time before it fully makes its way into veterinary medicine. However, don’t let this stop you from discussing the options with your vet. If they do not offer it, they may know someone who does.
Give our Huntington, NY, animal hospital a call to schedule an appointment with our veterinary team by giving us a call at (631) 271-8383.
