PRP therapy in veterinary medicine begins with a blood draw from the animal. The blood draw is similar to a routine physical exam or blood donation. The veterinarian draws a specific amount of blood from a vein in the animal. The amount of blood drawn depends on several factors such as the size of the animal and the intended use of PRP therapy.
After blood collection, the collected blood is placed in a special centrifuge. The centrifuge is a device that allows separation of blood components by rapid rotation. During centrifugation, the components of the blood are separated according to their density. During this process, the platelets accumulate in the lower part of the centrifuge tube.
The resulting platelet-rich plasma is gently separated from the other blood components such as red and white blood cells. Platelet-rich plasma contains an increased concentration of growth factors, which are important for tissue regeneration and healing processes. Growth factors are proteins that can stimulate cell proliferation and promote the formation of new blood vessels.
After collection, platelet-rich plasma can be applied directly to the affected area of the animal. Depending on the nature of the disease or injury, platelet-rich plasma can either be injected directly into the tissue or applied to the affected skin. For orthopedic conditions such as joint problems or torn tendons and ligaments, the plasma is often injected directly into the affected joint or tendon.
The growth factors contained in platelet-rich plasma stimulate cell proliferation and the formation of new blood vessels. This leads to better blood flow and oxygenation of the tissue, which in turn can promote healing of injuries. Growth factors also have anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve inflammation. In addition, they can help regenerate damaged tissue and promote the growth of healthy tissue.
The number of treatments an animal needs can vary depending on the type of disease or injury. In some cases, a single treatment with PRP may be sufficient, while others may require multiple treatments spaced a few weeks apart. Your veterinarian will determine the optimal treatment strategy based on your pet's specific situation.