Author(s): "Dr. Brittany Carr Benson, DVM, CCRT, DACVSMR, Bigger Road Veterinary Center Springboro, OH"
Signalment: Canine, 12 years old, spayed female, Old English Sheepdog, “Bella”
History: Bilateral hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. Upon initial presentation, owner reported that she was having difficulty getting up after laying down and getting around the house. Bella was currently enrolled in a rehabilitation therapy program consisting of once to twice weekly manual/massage therapy, laser therapy for both hips, underwater treadmill, and an at home exercise program. She had previously tried a number of medications but was unable to tolerate them due to a sensitive gastrointestinal tract. She was currently taking Chinese herbs and Adequan twice monthly.
Diagnostics and Exam Findings: Grade III - IV/VI bilateral hind limb lameness at a walk and trot. Both hips had reduced range of motion (right hip extension: 135 deg, left hip extension: 125 deg). Both iliopsoas were tense on direct palpation. Muscle atrophy was present in both hind limbs. The remainder of the orthopedic and neurologic evaluation was within normal limits. Radiographs revealed evidence of moderate hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis (worse on the left).
PRP Treatment: Bilateral hip platelet rich plasma (PRP) intra-articular injections (2ml volume, each hip) were performed under light sedation. A pre- and post-complete blood count (CBC) confirmed a 5-fold increase in platelets in the final PRP product.
Frequency of Treatment: Once.
Other Treatments: The patient went home that afternoon and the owner was given instructions to monitor the injection sites and restrict her activity. During the initial two weeks post PRP therapy, long walks and underwater treadmill were eliminated from her therapy plan.
Comments: Bella’s owner reported that by the third day following the injections that she was able to rise after laying down and move around the home much more easily. At 2-week recheck appointment lameness had improved to grade II/VI bilateral hind limb lameness. The left hip had improved range of motion (right hip extension: 135 deg, left hip extension: 130 deg). Bella was cleared at that time to gradually restart her walks and underwater treadmill.
At her 4-week recheck, Bella’s owner reported that she was doing great at home and with rehabilitation therapy. She was able to rise after laying down more easily and was very comfortable moving around the home and on her long walks. Both hips had improved range of motion (right hip extension: 140 deg, left hip extension: 140 deg). Bella was cleared to continue rehabilitation therapy and continue increasing her home exercise program and activity at home.