b'HELPING HORSES SELF-HEALTypes of Regenerative TherapiesPlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) With this approach the practitioner collects blood from a horse and processes it using a commercial system that concentrates the platelets. When he or she injects that concentrated platelet product back into the horse, granules within the platelets release an array of growth factors that aim to facilitate and modulate the heal-ing process. Specifically, granule-derived COURTESY DARCY ROSEgrowth factors encourage target tissue cells at the injury site to migrate and proliferate, improve extracellular matrix synthesis, and stimulate blood vessel development. Tendon, ligament, and joint injuries are among the most frequent targets of regenerative medicine.Recently, leukocyte-reduced PRP has concentrations of IRAP include IRAP become many equine veterinarians PRPsample back into the patient at the target product of choice. These preparationslocation or injury site. This protein blocksII, autologous protein solution (APS), contain fewer white blood cells (leuko- the action of interleukin-1, a power- and bone marrow aspirate concentrate cytes) and, reportedly, inflammatoryful and damaging pro- inflammatory(BMAC). mediators than normal PRP productsmediator. Additionally, glass beadStem cell therapy (SCT) In certain tis-do. These mediators break tissues down,incubation stimulates the production ofsues, such as adipose (fat) and bone mar-effectively counteracting the anabolicanti-i nflammatory mediators and growthrow, we can find specific cells that have (tissue-building) effects of the plateletsfactors similar to those found in PRP.the ability to self-renew and grow more and their granules.Ortved says its important to remem- than 200 types of body cells. Veterinar-Autologous conditioned serum (ACS)ber that all biologics, including PRP andians can isolate these cells, called stem Veterinarians can easily prepare ACSIRAP, contain various concentrations ofcells or progenitor cells, and either:by collecting a blood sample from thegrowth factors and bioactive protein.1.Immediately concentrate and inject patient, then incubating it with specialRemember, they are made from yourthem directly back into the same horse commercially available glass beads tohorses blood and, therefore, containat the target location, or stimulate interleukin-1 receptor antago- all of the components in blood, just2.Culture them in a lab to multiply before nist protein (IRAP) production. Theyin varying concentrations, she says.injecting them back into the patient. then inject the resultant IRAP-rich serumRegenerative therapies that contain highPerhaps more important than their When every stride matters.Ask your vet about Pro-StridePro-Stride.com / 888-925-82692020 Owl Manor Medical, LLC. All Rights Reserved.12May 2020The Horse|TheHorse.com'