Regenerative Therapies in Equine Musculoskeletal Disease

Musculoskeletal disease is a widespread problem, especially in performance horses. Fortunately, it does not have to be a career-ending disease. Regenerative therapies are revolutionizing equine health care, offering versatile solutions for a wide range of conditions. From promoting tissue regeneration to supporting overall health, these cutting-edge treatments are transforming the way we care for our horses. 

How Do Regenerative Therapies Work?  

Regenerative therapies use substances from an animal’s own body to treat a tissue injury. These therapies, also called autologous blood products (ABPs), are biologically compatible and less likely to trigger adverse reactions.  

Regenerative therapies concentrate beneficial substances found in the blood. These substances include stem cells, white blood cells, platelets, scaffolding materials, and chemical signals. When these substances are concentrated in a small volume, they can be injected at an injury site to promote healing, stimulating the immune system to replace or regenerate body cells.  

Platelet-Rich Plasma 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a common regenerative therapy, delivers platelets and white blood cells to a site of tissue damage to help heal damaged tissue. 

To create PRP, a veterinarian first carefully collects a blood sample, using sterile techniques to prevent bacterial contamination, and mixes it with an anticoagulant solution. Next, the blood sample is spun in a centrifuge, such as the ProVet APC system, to separate the blood into its components. After the blood is separated, PRP can be harvested. Finally, PRP is injected at the site of the horse’s injury.  

Watch this brief video showing the collection and use of PRP:

Platelet-rich plasma can treat a variety of injuries and diseases in horses. If you think PRP or other regenerative therapies may help your horse, talk to your veterinarian to learn more. 

Dechra has become a leader in global equine markets. In Canada we have established ourselves as leaders in the area of equine mobility with leading-edge lameness therapies.