BY LINDSAY BROCK/JUMP MEDIA
Regenerative Medicine Results at Palm Beach Equine Clinic
Palm Beach Equine Clinic veterinarians employ regenerative therapies to encourage the horse’s body to self-heal through stimulating naturally occurring biologic processes. Used to treat and/or prevent joint disease and soft tissue injuries, regenerative therapies offer a method of targeting and impacting the inflammatory response without the use of steroids that may have long-term negative effects on cartilage with repeated, frequent usage. Furthermore, many regenerative therapies allow horses to return to full training and competition faster with a shorter window of drug detection than traditional intra-articular steroids. Regenerative medicine is an area that is actively being researched and improved upon in human and animal medicine.
Several regenerative therapies can be complementary, such as PRP, IRAP or Pro-Stride treatments. These blood-derived biologic therapies may be combined with alternative therapies such as extracorporeal shock wave or laser therapy for an enhanced, synergistic effect. Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s veterinary team carefully assesses each horse to determine which therapies would be the most beneficial and customize a unique treatment plan.
Regenerative Therapies Offered by Palm Beach Equine Clinic
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a blood-derived biologic agent that contains a concentration of platelets and seven fundamental growth factors that accelerate tissue healing. PRP is useful for treating a variety of injuries such as wounds, tendons, ligaments, and nonhealing fractures. To form PRP, the veterinarian draws blood from the horse and processes it in a centrifuge which returns a concentrated solution of platelets suspended in plasma. This solution can be injected into an affected area to stimulate growth factors that will enhance and accelerate the body’s own healing mechanisms.
Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP) / Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS)
IRAP is an autologous (self-derived) conditioned serum containing concentrated amounts of the anti-inflammatory protein Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein. In a healthy joint, interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) have balanced concentrations. In cases of osteoarthritis, there is insufficient IL-1Ra production to block the destructive effects of the increased IL-1. This results in inflammation, joint pain, and eventual cartilage destruction. IRAP works to counteract these destructive effects by blocking the cycle of inflammation in the horse’s joints.
Stem Cells
Stem cells are essentially ‘blank slate’ cells that have the potential to differentiate into nearly every type of tissue, such as tendon, ligament, bone, cartilage, and muscle. Stem cells are collected from bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue and processed in a laboratory. Once the cells have been cultured and multiplied, the veterinarian will inject them into an affected area to allow the body to heal with decreased production of scar tissue. Stem cell therapy used early after an injury can promote more aligned fibers in tendons or ligaments to result in stronger, healthier tissue.
Determining the Best Regenerative Therapy for Your Horse
Palm Beach Equine Clinic strives to better serve sports horses and stay current with the development of cutting-edge regenerative therapies. PBEC veterinarians are nationally and internationally recognized as leaders in sport horse medicine and work in a collaborative environment that brings together diverse, comprehensive veterinary care for your horse.
Dr. Bryan Dubynsky is one PBEC veterinarian who focuses on helping horses stay in top condition and feeling their best with regenerative therapies. Dr. Dubynsky offers PRP, IRAP, ACS, Stem Cell treatments, and more at PBEC. Talk to your PBEC veterinarian about the best regenerative medicine treatment plan for your horse’s individual needs by calling561-793-1599.
