Author(s): "Dr. Carly Hubbard, DVM, Animalia Health & Wellness, Franklin, TN"
Signalment
Canine, 5 years old, female, Labrador Retriever, “Bella”
History
Bella had an arthroscopic removal of bilateral FCPs (fragmented coronoid processes) and a right biceps tendon release. Rehabilitation included manual therapy, exercises, laser (non-Companion device), and underwater treadmill walking, beginning post-op. Right forelimb lameness persisted. Shockwave therapy treatments were added, resulting in some improvement, but the lameness did not resolve. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections were recommended.
Diagnostics and Exam Findings
On examination immediately before PRP, the patient had a grade 1/5 right thoracic limb lameness. The right shoulder had decreased extension with pain on abduction and the right elbow had decreased flexion with a bony end feel and mild pain. The left elbow had decreased flexion with no pain.
PRP Treatment
1ml of PRP was administered intra-articulatrly to each elbow a single time.
Other Treatments:
No other treatments were added at the time of the injection.
Comments
3 weeks following injection with PRP, only a very mild right thoracic limb lameness was visible. Though right elbow flexion was still reduced, the pain had resolved, and less crepitus was palatable. The right shoulder had improved range of motion. The owner reported that the patient was a little sore the first week following the injection, but then began to improve.
Overall, they believe the patient is doing much better. They occasionally still see a lameness, but at a significantly reduced frequency.