Application of platelet-rich plasma for canine osteoarthritis treatment - a clinical series

Abstract

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is defined as a progressive and permanent long-term deterioration of the cartilage surrounding the joints. There is no known cause for primary DJD. However, there are a wide variety of causes for secondary DJD, such as trauma, abnormal wear of joints and cartilage, or a congenital defect present at birth such as an improperly formed hip. One of the most popular methods used to biologically enhance healing in the fields of orthopaedic surgery and medicine includes the use of autologous blood products, namely, platelet rich plasma (PRP). Reports suggest that PRP, presumably containing high levels of platelet growth factors, may promote the recovery of the affected cartilage. This case series presents clinical and radiographic findings of three dogs with osteoarthritis of the elbow and knee joints. Pain score were assessed by CBPI (Canine Brief Pain Inventory). Treatment with three-fold intra-articular application of PRP, obtained by double centrifugation method, resulted in significant improvement in the function of the affected joint. Therefore, it could be concluded that PRP was clinically effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis in these three cases.