Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) to the Spine

For several years, platelet-rich plasmaPlasma is the liquid part of blood in which blood cells are suspended. It contains water, salts, proteins, and other substances and serves as a transport medium for nutrients, hormones, and waste products. (PRP) has been successfully used in veterinary medicine to treat tendon and joint damage.

Platelet-rich plasmaPlasma is the liquid part of blood in which blood cells are suspended. It contains water, salts, proteins, and other substances and serves as a transport medium for nutrients, hormones, and waste products. (PRP) is a concentrate of plateletsPlatelets, also called thrombocytes, are cells in the blood that play a crucial role in blood coagulation. They help stop Bleeding by forming clots that seal injuries in blood vessels. obtained from the dog’s own blood. PlateletsPlatelets, also called thrombocytes, are cells in the blood that play a crucial role in blood coagulation. They help stop Bleeding by forming clots that seal injuries in blood vessels. play a key role in wound healingWound healing is the natural process of repairing tissue damage, occurring in phases including inflammation, tissue regeneration, and wound contraction, to restore tissue integrity. because they release growth factors that support the healing process. To obtain PRP, a small amount of blood is taken sterilely from the animal being treated, centrifuged, and the portion of blood plasmaBlood plasma is the liquid component of blood, in which blood cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste products are transported. It consists of about 90% water, as well as proteins, glucose, minerals, and other substances. with the highest concentration of plateletsPlatelets, also called thrombocytes, are cells in the blood that play a crucial role in blood coagulation. They help stop Bleeding by forming clots that seal injuries in blood vessels. is isolated. This plasmaPlasma is the liquid part of blood in which blood cells are suspended. It contains water, salts, proteins, and other substances and serves as a transport medium for nutrients, hormones, and waste products. is then injected into the affected tissue under image guidance with local anesthesiaAnesthesia refers to the state of insensitivity to pain and can be partial (local anesthesia) or for the entire body (general anesthesia). It is used to keep patients pain-free during surgical procedures. or sedationSedation refers to the state of calming or suppressing the central nervous system with medication, which reduces anxiety and irritability and sometimes induces a light sleep.. Because it is the body’s own substance, there are no incompatibilities.

The use of PRP for spinal conditions is relatively new, especially for:

• Intervertebral disc herniation: PRP can support the healing of the intervertebral discs and reduce inflammatory conditions. Actual cases of a herniated disc must be operated on as quickly as possible. The use of PRP can take place after an operation or in cases where an operation is not possible or not useful.
• ChronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. joint inflammation (osteoarthritis) of the spine: Due to the regenerative effect of PRP, the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of osteoarthritis can be slowed down and the pain reduced. In particular, the long-term results are significantly better compared to corticosteroid injections.
• Through wear-related (degenerative) disc diseases: PRP helps to repair the damaged tissue and improve the dog’s mobility.

Advantages

Since PRP comes from the dog’s own blood, the body is stimulated to heal itself. The use of pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain. can be reduced. Compared to the long-term use of medication, there are fewer complications and risks.

In many cases, a significant improvement can be achieved in dogs with spinal problems. The dogs usually show an improvement in mobility and less pain within 2-4 weeks after treatment. However, a complete cure is not possible, but the quality of life can usually be significantly improved.

PRP can be used effectively in combination with other therapies, such as physiotherapyVeterinary physiotherapy encompasses a range of treatment methods aimed at improving the mobility and well-being of animals through exercise, massage, and other manual techniques.. A repeat treatment is also possible.

If your dog shows signs of pain, stiffness, or mobility problems, especially in the back or neck area, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian early on. Early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment can significantly improve the healing process.