Regenerative Therapies

Regenerative Therapies aim to repair and restore damaged tissues often offering alternatives to anti-inflammatory treatments. These modalities support natural healing, reduce inflammation, and improve long-term joint and soft tissue health. Below are examples of regenerative therapies available for our patients. These regenerative therapies offer veterinarians a range of tools to manage musculoskeletal injuries in horses more effectively and with fewer side effects than traditional treatments. Selection depends on the specific injury, goals, and regulatory considerations for competition horses.

  • Prostride APS (Autologous Protein Solution)

    Description: A blood-derived product that concentrates anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors.

    Use: Primarily used in joints to manage osteoarthritis.

    Mechanism: Reduces inflammation and promotes cartilage health by delivering high levels of IL-1 receptor antagonist and growth factors.

    Benefits: Long-lasting effects (up to 1 year), drug-free, competition-safe alternative to corticosteroids.

  • PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)

    Description: A concentrated portion of the horse’s own platelets and plasma.

    Use: Commonly used for soft tissue injuries (tendons, ligaments), as well as in joints.

    Mechanism: Platelets release growth factors that promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation.

    Benefits: Accelerates healing, particularly in tendon and ligament injuries.

  • Renovo

    Description: An acellular, amniotic-derived allograft.

    Use: Applied to soft tissue and joint injuries.

    Mechanism: Provides a scaffold rich in growth factors and anti-inflammatory proteins without cells that could cause rejection.

    Benefits: Non-immunogenic, potent anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, particularly in chronic soft tissue injuries.

  • Arthramid (Polyacrylamide Hydrogel)

    Description: A synthetic hydrogel injected into joints.

    Use: Primarily for osteoarthritis and synovitis.

    Mechanism: Integrates into the synovial membrane, improving joint function and reducing inflammation over time.

    Benefits: Long-acting (up to 12 months or more), drug-free, often used when conventional treatments are ineffective.

  • Shockwave Therapy

    Description: A non-invasive treatment using focused sound waves.

    Use: Widely used for tendon, ligament, bone, and joint issues.

    Mechanism: Stimulates blood flow, cellular metabolism, and growth factor release, aiding tissue repair and pain relief.

    Benefits: Enhances healing, reduces pain, and may improve the effect of other regenerative treatments when used in combination. goes here

    *at this time PEVS refers shockwave therapy to local practices

  • Alpha-2 Macroglobulin (A2M)

    Description: a large plasma protein naturally present in blood that functions as a broad-spectrum protease inhibitor, meaning it can inhibit enzymes that bread down tissues, specifically cartilage.

    Use: Mild to moderate osteoarthritis, post-traumatic joint inflammation, and preventative therapy in performance horses.

    Mechanism: binds and inactivates catabolic enzymes, inhibits inflammatory cytokines, and preserves cartilage structure and function.

    Benefits: Enhances healing, reduces pain, and is used primarily for early stage osteoarthritis and joint inflammation.