Equine orthobiologics are therapies derived from the horse’s own tissues, such as blood, and are designed to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair. Common options include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP) or autologous conditioned serum, autologous protein solution (APS), and mesenchymal stem cells, which veterinarians might inject to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis and soft-tissue injuries.  

About the Experts:

Picture of Lauren Schnabel, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR

Lauren Schnabel, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR

Lauren Schnabel, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR, is a professor of equine orthopedic surgery at North Carolina State University, in Raleigh. Her specific clinical and research interests are in the use of regenerative therapies for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and in the rehabilitation of elite athletes. Schnabel has performed and published studies on wound healing in the horse and continues to evaluate new therapies for wound healing in her clinical practice.

Picture of Greg Schmid, DVM

Greg Schmid, DVM

Greg Schmid, DVM, originally from Canada, moved to Ohio as a teenager, where his family trained dressage and eventing horses. He earned a Bachelor of Science in equine science from Otterbein University, in Westerville, Ohio, and a DVM from The Ohio State University, in Columbus. After graduation, Schmid completed an internship at B.W. Furlong & Associates, in Oldwick, New Jersey, and then worked with Dr. John “Doc” Steele in a hunter/jumper-focused practice covering the East Coast. He later practiced in Portland, Oregon, working with various English and Western sport horses. Schmid joined Dechra as an equine professional services veterinarian in September 2020 and now lives in Asheville, North Carolina.