IRAP is a protein naturally created by white blood cells that has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect in the body. We create the product by drawing a blood sample from your horse in a specially designed tube that stimulates the white blood cells to produce great quantities of IRAP. After a 24 hour incubation period, we usually have enough serum for several joint treatments and the remainder is frozen for future use. In horses, we use IRAP most commonly for arthritic joints and tendon/ligament injuries. In the case of joint disease, IRAP is a good choice for horses with lameness problems that may not be responding well to other treatments, including injection with more traditional joint medications and shockwave therapy.
PRP therapy allows us to harness the inherent healing properties of the blood platelet. Blood is composed of three major constituents: plasma (the liquid portion), red and white blood cells, and platelets. While most of us associate platelets with the formation of clots, these tiny fragments also produce growth factors and anti-inflammatory substances to facilitate healing of damaged tissue. PRP is created from the horse’s own blood, placed in a special centrifuge that separates out the platelets and suspends them in a small amount of plasma. The final sample is then injected directly into the injured area using ultrasound guidance. The process takes about 20 minutes so the horse can be diagnosed and treated during one in-clinic appointment. PRP therapy is indicated for the treatment of suspensory ligament injuries, bowed tendons and joint disease.
Pro-Stride is a newer product that combines IRAP and PRP. Pro-Stride is a natural, steroid-free treatment that has no drug withholding times for horses competing at the FEI or USEF levels. It also offers the advantage of a 20 minute processing time as opposed to 24 hours with IRAP and has been shown to be effective for up to a year with a single treatment.
Stem cell therapy involves gathering stem cells, usually from bone marrow, processing it to concentrate the stem cells, and injecting it into a lesion. The stem cells contribute to healing in several ways such as building new tissue, recruiting cells to contribute to healing, and by having an anti-inflammatory effect on the tissue.
