Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello, I know this might not be the place to ask, but I figured I'd try. Mac has a PRP procedure on Monday for his arthritis in his front elbow, and the doctor doesn't know if it's going to be helpful. in some dogs it really does help, in others it doesn't. Just wondering if anyone has had any experiences with PRP for arthritis pain? I am really praying that it helps him, ugh.
Well that's exciting! Where is he getting it done?
This is the perfect place to ask about PRP (stem cell therapy) because it can help improve mobility in dogs and cats.
For those who don't know what PRP is, it stands for Platelet Rich Plasma injections. It's been used in human medicine for a while and has shown to be helpful for reducing joint pain and osteoarthritis pain.
What is platelet rich plasma?
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is derived from removing the red blood cells from whole blood and isolating platelets. A sample of blood is taken from a patient and then spun down in a centrifuge. The red blood cells are removed with a pipette and discarded.The left-over concentrate is called PRP which contains platelets and proteins that can then be used to promote healing and treat areas of inflammation in the body.
Here's another good article about PRP in dogs. And here are some Tripawds forum search results for Platelet Rich Plasma.
We do know of a friend's dog who did really well with PRP. A few years ago we asked about it when our Wyatt Ray was getting treated for osteoarthritis and degenerative spinal disease at Colorado State University. The vets there felt that it didn't have enough research behind it to justify offering it as a therapy at the CSU clinic. But that's not to say they didn't believe it worked, just that they wanted more studies before mainstreaming it into their OA treatments.
Many private practice vets are huge advocates for it, especially orthopedic surgeons like our friend Dr. Sherman Canapp. In the presentation of his that I link to, he says:
Not a “Silver bullet”. Combination therapy is the key
- Medical Management
- Surgical treatment
- Stem cell therapy / Platelet Rich Plasma
- Rehabilitation therapy
So as long as Mack is getting rehab therapy along with it, you should see some results. I'm super interested in seeing how it goes so please keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you so much for your response! The PRP injection was done today at an ortho specialist clinic by an ortho surgeon in Utah. & They froze his Blood/Plasma for about 3 more injections for the future.
He will be doing rehab too.
I can definitely see why they can't advocate for PRP because it's all still very new research/data & it can be expensive. From my understanding, it seems that stem cell therapy is much pricier than just PRP. But I would love to do it for Mac, I will look more into it.
In general, I've always been interested/fascinated by human steroids/growth hormones, so stem cell therapy is right there w/ it.
I'm inclined to believe that the PRP will work just based on my own reading & understanding of how it works.
Oh & I forgot to mention that the doctor mentioned there's a new promising medication for arthritis that's still in trial stages, but he doesn't have a license for it & will get back to me after he comes back from a conference. The name is Synovetin & it works w/ radioactive material?
Oh yay! Did the vet say when you can expect to see a difference in his mobility?
What is the name of the clinic where he's being treated?
Let us know what you learn about PRP and stem cell therapy for OA, I've been meaning to do a blog about it for a while. Also, that Synovetin sounds pretty cool! Thanks for the heads up. Here's a link for others. We'll definitely cover it in the blog too! It's nice to see new options coming our way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The clinic name is Mountain West Veterinary Specialists. They've been fantastic!
If I understood the dr right, it seems like 1-2 days after? So after the initial inflammation from the injection goes down, but it's been about 24 hrs for Mac & I swear I see a little bit of an improvement? But I will definitely report back within a couple of weeks!
Thanks so much for keeping us I formed. We all have our paws crossed! We'll following Mac's journey and love that you may already see improvement from the PRP!.
Hugs Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. If you don't mind me asking, what is the approximate cost?
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
I think the range can be anywhere from 475-500 including consultation and the results should last 6 months to a year. Also when they froze his plasma, it means that the next time it will be much cheaper because we won't be paying for the light anesthesia, just the injection.
Oooh that's a pretty fast response time, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a great pupdate!
Thanks for mentioning the clinic, and the other info too. I'm so glad you found them. Feel free to leave a clinic referral in the Vet Specialists Topic 🙂
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Okay, more questions. And we can do a PM instead, , but I really think this is such a good topic for the forums and everyone can benefit.
Was surprised that the price of everything for possible six to twelve month result was very reasonable. Obviously, I certainly understand it's still an expense just not doable for everyone.....just saying that I thought it would be in the thousands range.
For the prep work, are xrays involved, or MRI, etc. Guess I'm mentoning MRI if it's a spine disc issue.
Also, is there an overnight stay?
Is there sedation involved for the injection?
Seems like Mac is already showing some improvement. Nope, he's not interested in waiting g arou d another day or two to feel good....he's doing it now!!!
And we all know you are not a Vet and not giving Vet advice, but merely sharing your experience. And we are soooo grateful you are willing to take the time to do that🥰👍
THANK YOU!!!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
benny55 said
Okay, more questions. And we can do a PM instead, , but I really think this is such a good topic for the forums and everyone can benefit.
Agree 100% and thank you for the great questions Sally! I'm learning here too.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just wanted to do a quick update!
Mac's had his PRP in February and the vet was completely honest in that he couldn't predict whether it would help Mac's front leg arthritis because every dog is different and responds differently, some don't respond at all. But it has DEFINITELY helped. I think we're getting to the point now where I might schedule another appointment because I'm noticing he is trying to avoid putting weight on it and by overcompensating, he's pinched a back nerve.
So, I would say that a couple of months worth of relief is worth it. Although he has been in rehab as well, so I think it may be the combination that's helping.
YAY! Thank you for letting us know things are going so well.
Your vet is awesome. Yes it's true that PRP can be hit or miss. I'm glad it was a total hit with Mac!
What kind of therapy is he doing?
Were you trying to post photos? Let me know if you'd like help, just PM me with the little envelope icon in the top right of this response.
GRRRRREAT PUPDATE!!! So excited to know this has indeed helped Mac. And definitely worth it for several months of relief!!!
Bummer about the pinched nerve though. Getting him back on track with another injection should help take care of that.
Thanks again for sharing the good news! Quite a ray of hope for others facing the same situation.
YAAAAAY MAC👏👏👏
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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