I’ve learned about two interesting treatments this summer that
are used to treat musculoskeletal injuries and diseases in horses.
IRAP, or Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein, is used
to treat osteoarthritis of joints. Interleukin-1 is a molecule produced by
cells in damaged joints and it causes further inflammation. IRAP, when injected
into joints, blocks interleukin-1 from binding its receptor, and thus helps
stop the inflammatory cycle. The process used to make IRAP is interesting.
First you draw a small amount of blood from the horse you wish to treat. The
blood sits in a special syringe for 24 hours that has factors which stimulate monocytes
in the blood to produce IRAP and other anti-inflammatory factors. Then the
blood is spun to separate the cells and plasma. The plasma is divided into
several doses and frozen, then once a week a dose is thawed and injected into
the joint of interest. Because it is made from the horses’ own blood, the horse
is very unlikely to have an allergic reaction. IRAP is a good alternative to
treating joints with corticosteroids, which could eventually lead to further
joint damage.
PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma, is most commonly used to treat
tendon and ligament injuries, but can also be used in joints and other areas. Similar
to IRAP it is made from the horse’s own blood, centrifuged to separate the
plasma and platelets from red blood cells. The concentrated platelets are injected
into the damaged tendon or ligament, where they become activated. Platelets can
release a variety of growth factors which explains their usefulness in treating
injuries in structures that have very little healing potential of their own. PRP
can be made and injected within less than an hour, no overnight wait needed.
Jenna already mentioned Stem Cell treatments in a post from
a few days ago, so I won’t explain it again but I will say it’s another great
option to promote healing that is sometimes used here at Cleveland Equine.
No comments:
Post a Comment