7 Ways to Help Young Dogs Stay Active with PRP Therapy | Blog | Companion Animal Health
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Age is just a number when it comes to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
From endless playtime to agility training, young dogs live an active life. With all that action, joint and muscle health becomes essential. PRP therapy offers natural, effective support that helps keep your patients at their best.
Here are some of the common disease processes and conditions that can be treated with PRP:
- CCL injuries: PRP helps heal ligament strains or tears by promoting cell regeneration and reducing inflammation.
- Hip dysplasia (early stages): For dogs with early signs of hip dysplasia, PRP therapy can reduce pain, improve mobility, and slow down joint degeneration.
- Elbow dysplasia: PRP can reduce the joint inflammation and discomfort often seen in larger breeds prone to this condition.
- Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD): PRP therapy promotes the healing of damaged cartilage and reduces inflammation in joints affected by OCD.
- Patellar luxation (mild to moderate cases): PRP can aid soft tissue healing, reduce pain, and support stability around the kneecap.
- Arthritis (early-onset or juvenile): Although this is more common in older dogs, some younger ones develop early signs as well. PRP can help reduce pain and inflammation and support joint health in these patients.
- Fracture recovery: PRP therapy can be a supplement to traditional treatments for bone fractures, enhancing healing at the fracture site.
Some interesting facts about these conditions:
- CCL injuries Dogs aged 6-8 years old are at greatest risk of CCL rupture compared to other age groups1.
- Hip dysplasia 24% of German Shephard puppies are born with hip dysplasia2
- Elbow dysplasia: Most dogs are diagnosed with elbow dysplasia at 4 to 12 months of age3
- Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD): OCD is a developmental disease that typically occurs in rapidly growing large breed dogs between 6 and 9 months of age4
- Patellar luxation Diagnosed in 7% of puppies, this condition affects primarily small dogs- particularly Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians5
- Arthritis (early-onset or juvenile): Arthritis is not just an issue for older dogs, as a recent study showed approximately 40% of dogs under 4 year old show signs of arthritis on x-rays6
If you’re looking to give your patients the best care, PRP therapy can be a valuable tool for a long, healthy, active life. Check out our Unlock the Potential of PRP webinar or visit our PRP 101 website to discover the full range of benefits for your patients and learn how to effectively communicate them with pet owners.
1Studies Analyze Factors, Outcomes Associated with Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture, Surgery." American Veterinary Medical Association, 1 Nov. 2023, www.avma.org/news/studies-analyze-factors-outcomes-associated-cranial-cruciate-ligament-rupture-surgery .).
2Leighton, Eldin A. "Genetics of Canine Hip Dysplasia." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, vol. 210, no. 10, 15 May 1997, pp. 1474-1479. American Veterinary Medical Association, doi:10.2460/javma.1997.210.10.1474.
3Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (n.d.). Elbow Dysplasia. Vet.Cornell.edu. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/elbow-dysplasia)
5American College of Veterinary Surgeons. "Patellar Luxations." American College of Veterinary Surgeons, 2024, www.acvs.org/small-animal/patellar-luxations/ .
6Enomoto M, de Castro N, Hash J, Thomson A, Nakanishi-Hester A, Perry E, Aker S, Haupt E, Opperman L, Roe S, Cole T, Thompson NA, Innes JF, Lascelles BDX. Prevalence of radiographic appendicular osteoarthritis and associated clinical signs in young dogs. Sci Rep. 2024 Feb 3;14(1):2827. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-52324-9. PMID: 38310147; PMCID: PMC10838335