Platelet-rich plasma therapy is gaining popularity in human and veterinary medicine. The treatment uses a concentrated version of a pet’s own blood components and delivers them to a targeted area to speed healing and reduce inflammation and pain. Platelet-rich plasma therapy has many potential applications for our four-legged friends and has a low risk for side effects. The Tender Touch Animal Hospital team answers frequently asked questions to help pet owners learn more about this relatively new pet treatment option.

Question: What is platelet-rich plasma therapy for pets?

Answer: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a type of regenerative medicine designed to help tissues regenerate on their own. PRP uses a specially processed version of a pet’s own blood that contains concentrated levels of platelets—a blood cell type—to improve and hasten healing in specific tissues. The PRP liquid is injected directly at the injury or inflammation site and harnesses the body’s healing abilities to repair the area.

Q: How does platelet-rich plasma therapy for pets work?

A: Most people know that platelets are responsible for blood clotting, but these cells serve several other purposes in the body. When an injury occurs, platelets rush to the area to stop the bleeding, but they also contain growth factors, which are substances that initiate the healing process. When platelet-derived growth factors are injected directly into damaged tissues, other cells are signaled to the area and start the repair process. This would occur anyway, but PRP can make the process more efficient and prevent a prolonged inflammatory reaction that can slow healing and cause discomfort.

Q: What pet health conditions can platelet-rich plasma therapy treat?

A: PRP is most commonly used for injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones, joints, skin, and eyes, because these tissues are notoriously slow to heal, and PRP is designed to speed healing. Some chronic conditions, particularly osteoarthritis, may also respond well to PRP therapy. In humans, PRP is used for injuries, hair loss, cosmetic procedures, surgeries, and arthritis.

Q: Does platelet-rich plasma therapy require sedation in pets?

A: PRP therapy involves injection directly into an injured tissue, which may require sedation, or full anesthesia in some cases. Skin injections usually require only a local anesthetic, but sedation helps patients who need precise injections into tendons, ligaments, or joints by reducing stress, keeping them from moving, and reducing discomfort. Some orthopedic surgeons who use PRP therapy will inject the pet immediately post-operatively, while still under anesthesia, to jump-start healing and reduce the need for future sedation.

Q: What are platelet-rich plasma therapy’s side effects?

A: PRP has minimal risks, because the therapy uses a pet’s own blood fluid and cells that the body cannot react to, or reject. However, pets may experience complications from the actual injection itself or a misplaced needle could cause pain, swelling, infection, bleeding, or nerve injury, but these are rare occurrences. When veterinarians inject PRP into a delicate area, they may use ultrasound, CT, or fluoroscopy to guide needle placement and reduce the risk of side effects.

Q: How many injections of platelet-rich plasma will my pet need?

A: Some pets require only a single post-operative injection, while others require a series of injections spaced several weeks apart for the most benefit. Because this treatment is relatively new to veterinary medicine, exact protocols and techniques are still being researched. Our veterinary team determines a treatment protocol based on your pet’s specific condition, monitors their response, and adjusts the plan as needed. Chronic conditions may require ongoing maintenance treatments.

Q: Can platelet-rich plasma be combined with other treatments for my pet?

A: PRP does not interact with other treatments and can be combined safely with drugs, alternative therapies, rehabilitation, and other techniques to speed healing and recovery. In our hospital, we may combine PRP with stem cell therapy, which is another proven regenerative treatment, because these therapies have been shown to work together synergistically in many conditions.

Q: Will my pet have special care needs after a platelet-rich plasma injection?

A: Following treatment, pets must not take anti-inflammatory medications that could interfere with the platelets’ effects. They may also require a few days of activity restriction, depending on the treatment area. Our care team will send you home with detailed instructions, so you know exactly what to expect.

PRP is a good therapeutic option for most pets given the limited side effects and because the procedure can be combined with other therapies for synergistic effects. Contact the Tender Touch Animal Hospital team to schedule a PRP consultation or to learn more about advanced regenerative medicine therapies and how they can help your pet.