What is PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) for Dogs in Lansing, MI?

What is PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) for Dogs in Lansing, MI?

As pet owners in Lansing, MI, one of the most difficult parts is when out pet is suffering. Whether it be an injury, disease, or even allergies, we hate to see our dogs in pain. They do so much to ease our pain and suffering, so it’s only natural to want to help them when they’re in need. As technology and medicine continue to advance, we’re seeing new and exciting treatments to help with varying diseases and health concerns. If your dog has been afflicted with osteoarthritis or a tendon or ligament injury, PRP therapy may be a good option for you.

About Platelet Rich Plasma

So, what in the world is PRP? PRP is platelet rich plasma. Platelet rich plasma is blood that has been processed to concentrate the levels of platelets from the whole blood sample. This is usually done by centrifuge. The PRP will have platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells in varying numbers. It will also have growth factors that can typically be found in plasma such as platelet-derived growth factors, epidermal growth factors, ß-thromboglobulin, fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor.

What are Platelets?

To make it easier to understand, platelets are cell-like components of blood and are the reason our blood clots after we get a cut or scratch. The growth factors found in platelets are important in the healing process. They oversee new tissue growth and the development of new blood vessels. The growth factors also replenish the extracellular matrix.

Is Platelet Rich Plasma for Dogs a New Thing?

PRP for dogs has been around since the 1970’s in the field of periodontics. It was used to treat severe gingivitis and to build bone mass in the jaw line to prepare for dental implants. Platelet therapy has grown from there to take the platelets to be used to treat tendon and ligament damage. Nowadays, it’s evolved into treatment for your pup as well!

Why PRP is Recommended in Lansing, MI

The reason that PRP may be recommended by your veterinarian in Lansing, MI is that the concentrated substance is filled with growth factors. These growth factors are thought to help speed up the healing process and ease some of the pain that goes along with it. To prepare the PRP, your vet will take a blood sample from your dog and then will separate the blood by doing one or two spins in a centrifuge. This concentrates the blood from “whole blood” to the platelet rich plasma. Then, the PRP will be injected back into the site of injury or arthritis. The volume that’s injected back in depends on the severity of what’s being treated. It can range between 1 to 5 mL depending on factors such as the dog, the joint, and the disease.

How Long is a PRP Procedure in Lansing, MI?

For most vets, it takes about 30-40 minutes to complete all the steps. It’s done as an in-hospital day procedure and there is no serious down time. Your vet will likely recommend that your dog only takes leash-walks the first couple of days and avoids running for about a week. If your dog appears to show discomfort after the procedure, you should ice the injection site for about 20 minutes after the procedure. That should clear up any pain from the injection. If that doesn’t seem to work, your vet can give you some oral analgesics.

Are There Risks with PRP Therapy for Dogs in Lansing, MI?

PRP therapy doesn’t affect all dogs equally, though. Some dogs will react to the treatment better. However, there are no adverse risks to PRP for dogs. It’s perfectly safe for your best friend. Some dogs see benefits in the first few days after treatment. They move better and appear to be in less pain than before the PRP therapy. Depending on the severity of the osteoarthritis or the tendon or ligament injury, more than one round of PRP could be recommended. Some dogs benefit from receiving the treatment more than once, but on average, the results will last for about a year.

Talk with Your Veterinarian

As medicine continues to advance, it’s important to look into new ways to treat your dog without relying on drugs. PRP for dogs is a great option for pain management because it uses your dog’s own blood and his own growth factors to help heal him. Talk to your vet in Lansing, MI about PRP therapy if your dog has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or has a tendon or ligament injury.

Reach out to your vet at Pennsylvania Veterinary Care at (517) 393-8010 or book an appointment online if you think Platelet Rich Plasma therapy might be a good fit for your dog or if you want more information on this type of therapy.

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