Walkerton Equine Veterinary Clinic offers Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. Platelets are known for their role in clotting. 

Platelets also release substances that promote tissue repair and influence the reactivity of vascular and other blood cells in the formation of new vessels and in inflammation. Once activated, the platelets release their storage pool of powerful growth factors. 

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections were first used in human medicine for tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis. 93% of patients treated reported a reduction in pain without undergoing surgery. It has also been used in human dental patients to reduce healing times and minimize dental visits. 

PRP can be used to jump-start the healing cascade and accelerate tissue regeneration in skin, soft tissue, and bone. PRP has been used in horses to treat ligament and tendon injuries, eye ulcers, and skin wounds. It is particularly beneficial in treating injuries in areas of limited vascularization, or blood flow. These growth factors have been shown to stimulate tendon and ligament healing. The enhanced healing response on a cellular and molecular level may ultimately improve the quality of repair, improve the prognosis for return to performance, and decrease the incidence of re-injury. 

Platelet-derived Growth Factors: 

• Mediate inflammation 
• Affect tissue growth 
• Stimulate cell regeneration 
• Reduce scar tissue formation 
• Have an analgesic (pain relief) effect