Published: Animals, 2021.
Keyword: Dog, Platelet-Rich Plasma, PRP, Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis, DLS, Epidural injection, Force platform analysis
Author(s): A. M. Hernández-Guerra, J. M. Carillo, J. J. Sopena, J. M. Vilar, P. Peláez, B. Cuervo, and A. Santana, M. Rubio
Overview
The effectiveness of a series of epidural infiltrations of a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derivate for the treatment of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in retired working dogs was evaluated in this study. 14 dogs were treated with 3 epidural injections of PRP on days 0, 15, and 45 and had a 90 day follow up period where clinical and force platform data were recorded. The results showed significantly improved clinical signs and gait improvement. PRP may provide a good alternative to other nonsurgical treatments such as prednisolone epidural injection.
Materials/Methods
14 working dogs diagnosed with Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis (DLS) were treated with 3 epidural injections of PRP on days 0, 15, and 45 and had a 90 day follow up period. The PRP solution had approximately 1.5 times the concentration of platelets in whole blood and an absence of leukocytes. Clinical assessment evaluating paresis of the pelvic limbs, lumbosacral pain, urinary incontinence, hindleg withdrawal reflex, and a proprioceptive deficit was performed on days 0, 15, 45, and 90. Force platform analysis evaluating peak vertical force was also performed on days 0 and 90 to objectively assess gait. Once peak vertical force data was obtained, the mean value was used to set a symmetry index between contralateral hindlimbs to standardize results.
The sample consisted of 4 Labrador retrievers, 2 Rottweilers, 3 German shepherds, and 5 mixed breeds. Males represented 71% of dogs (10/14), the mean age was 10 years (range 7-12), and the mean weight was 29.12kg (range 25-36). All were retired working dogs.
Results
All dogs showed clinical improvement 3 months after the initial treatment. Force pate analysis showed the gait to be more symmetric after treatment.
Conclusions
Epidural injection of PRP in working dogs with DLS with no or mild neurological deficits has proven to be subjectively and objectively effective, thus could be considered an additional therapeutical strategy in dogs suffering from this condition.