Therapeutic Options

Sporthorse Veterinary Services offers many therapeutic options for the treatment of its equine patients. These options include Shockwave, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), Stem Cell, Alpha2EQ and Arthramid Vet.

Regenerative Medicine continues to be an emerging topic in the equine veterinary field.

Shockwave Therapy

Sporthorse Veterinary Services offers shockwave therapy which stimulates the horse’s natural repair mechanisms. Shock wave therapy treats musculoskeletal problems as well as soft tissue and bone injuries. HIgh intensity shock waves are directed to a specific site to accelerate the healing process.

Looking at the emergence of new therapeutic technologies, consider reading the article, Shock wave therapy for lameness, published in 2005, yet still appropriate for gaining an understanding of the technique used for shockwave therapy.

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)

Sporthorse Veterinary Services offers this critical component of regenerative medicine for the treatment of tendon and ligament injuries. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a component of blood in which the platelets are concentrated in a limited volume of plasma. Platelets contain many growth factors that enhance wound healing and help to induce tissue regeneration. PRP is used to promote wound, bone and ligament/tendon repair. Upon injection into an injured site, PRP delivers these platelets to stimulate the healing process through regeneration of healthy tissue.

If you would like to read more about PRP, The Center for Equine Health of the University of California, Davis has published an interesting article with case studies, Platelet-Rich Plasma: Improving Treatment for Tendon and Ligament Injuries.

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem Cell therapy, a major component of Regenerative Medicine, uses a concentrated form of stem cells that are derived from fat tissue to treat traumatic and degenerative diseases of soft tissues and cartilage. This therapy is a 3 part process: 1) surgical collection of fat tissue from you horse; 2) lab processing of the fat sample to isolate and concentrate the stem cells; and 3) injection of the stem cells into the affected area. Dr. Silverman will surgically remove a small fat sample from the area above the tail head on your horse, closing with suture. This wound should have minimal to no scaring. The sample is then shipped overnight to the lab for processing. After 24-48 hours the sample is shipped back to Dr. Silverman in ready-to-inject syringes. On many occasions the fat sample may yield excess cells that may be stored at the lab for future use. There is a separate “banking” fee from the lab for this service.

An alternative method of obtaining concentrated stem cells involves the use of bone marrow aspirate. This procedure involves the collection of a marrow sample from either the sternum, (breast bone), or the pelvis via the tuber coxae, (point of the hip). This sample is then sent to a special lab for processing. A concentrate of stem cells along with critical growth factors is then utilized to aid in the repair of your horse’s injury.

The area of stem cell research and regenerative medicine in general is in a constant state of evolution. For current information about the use of stem cells collected from the fat tissue of the horse, read Cell by Cell Recovery, published in July 2014.

Arthramid Vet

ArthramidVet® 2.5% iPAAG Hydrogel is a pioneering treatment. Implanted into the joint itself, rather than simply masking pain, it defies conventional treatments by restoring function and movement to joints.

ArthramidVet® has a unique mechanism of action.The advanced gel acts as a “bio-scaffold” that bonds with the injured tissue and strengthens the joint to provide support and better function of movement.

As a cutting edge treatment, ArthramidVet® is trusted by owners, veterinary professionals and trainers. For use only by veterinarians, Arthramid Vet doesn’t simply sell treatments, but the promise of a healthy, active animal.

• Unique and patented 2.5% iPAAG hydrogel technology.
• Acts as a Bio Scaffold, resulting in healthy regeneration of the joint tissue.
• For the treatment of joint lameness including early and late stages of OA.
• Proven efficacy, in multiple clinical trials across all equine disciplines.
• Non Pharmaceutical.
• No competition with-hold time (WHT).

Alpha2eq