Regenerative Therapies and Shockwave

 Degenerative joint disease (arthritis) is an inflammatory condition characterized by an imbalance where cartilage is broken down faster than it can be repaired and maintained by the body. This process causes pain through distension of the joint capsule accelerating the breakdown of cartilage through small proteins called inflammatory mediators. One of the most important inflammatory mediators has been identified as Interleukin-1 (IL-1).

Interleukin Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP) is a newer therapy used to treat joint inflammation. This protein prevent IL-1 from binding to cells within the joint and exerting its negative effects. IRAP is a product that originates from the patient’s own body. The process starts by collecting a sterile sample of blood from the horse. The blood is then incubated with medical grade glass beads for 24 hours, stimulating white blood cells to produce IRAP. The serum containing the IRAP is then separated from the red blood cells with a centrifuge and then filtered into 3-6 treatment doses. The IRAP can then be injected into the affected joint immediately, or frozen for up to one year to be administered at a future time. Treatments are typically administered several weeks apart or on an as needed basis. IRAP is indicated for the treatment of synovitis, arthritis, bursitis or tenosynovitis. 

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) 

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a therapy that is made when whole blood is processed in a way that causes platelets and growth factors to concentrate. Platelets go to the site of an injury and release many substances that promote healing, stimulate blood vessel formation, recruit endogenous stem cells, and control inflammation. PRP is processed from your horse and then injected with ultrasound guidance into the injured tissue. These growth factors have been shown to stimulate tendon and ligaments healing especially due to the decreased blood supply to these tissues. PRP can also be used for intraarticular therapy.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has become an emerging new technology for treating musculoskeletal problems, soft-tissue injuries and bone injuries in horses. ESWT is non-invasive, used to stimulate healing to return horses to a level of fully sound, useful activity without recurrence of disease. From outside the body (extracorporeal), the machine generates high-intensity shock or pressure waves, which pulse to a specific site within the injured tissue. Though its actual mode of action is still in dispute, it stimulates and accelerates the healing process, essentially combining an immediate analgesic effect with a reduction in inflammation, neovascularization in soft tissue and osteogenesis in bone. According to Dr. Scott McClure, DVM, Iowa State University, a leading researcher in the field, it can be used to treat various conditions, such as suspensory ligament desmitis, navicular disease, saucer fractures, bucked shins, bowed tendon, sesamoid fractures, stress fractures and vertebral spinal pain (kissing spine lesions).

Anicell - Amniotic Therapy

Anicell is concentrated amniotic material that is used as an extracellular matrix to heal injured tissue and non-healing wounds. This material is derived from the fetal membranes after a baby is born and aseptically processed into injection form to treat the injured tissues.