January Case of the Month: PRP & Shockwave
Trinity is a 16 year old Warmblood mare who came up lame on her left forelimb this fall. At that time an injury to the annular ligament at the fetlock was identified by ultrasound examination. Initially Trinity was treated with rest and a light rehabilitation program, but unfortunately at her recheck ultrasound exam there had been no progress in the healing of the ligament. At this point the decision was made to inject the lesion in her annular ligament with PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), a potent concentrate of platelets and repair-promoting growth factors and cytokines which is prepared from a sample of the horse’s own blood. Trinity’s ligament was treated with PRP on the farm under ultrasound-guidance, and then the area was treated with extracorporeal shockwave therapy (“shockwave”) to further stimulate healing. Trinity then underwent repeat shockwave treatments once monthly for 3 total treatments to continue to promote circulation and appropriate healing in the area. During this time, she was also undergoing a controlled exercise rehabilitation program. On her repeat exam at the time of the third shockwave treatment Trinity was sound at the trot once again; the area of damage to her ligament had decreased, and the overall swelling within and around the ligament was lessened. Trinity is now starting with undersaddle rehabilitation exercises and will be working her way back to fitness and the show ring once again slowly through the spring and summer.
Image from: https://www.ssequineclinic.com/veterinary-services/platelet-rich-plasma-injections/