There are many pros and cons to utilizing regenerative medicine Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) versus steroids. Horse owners can consider factors such as cost, time, lasting effect and the ability to diagnose for these treatments as influencers in deciding which form of treatment to choose. We want to help make the decision easier for you so we will be comparing PRP and Steroids; discussing the pros and cons of each treatment method.
We first want to establish that PRP is Platelet Rich Plasma. This method of treatment is a regenerative medicine therapy that essentially utilizes the horse's own blood to help treat osteoarthritis or be used to help the injuries in the tendons, ligaments and muscles heal. PRP itself is a solution of concentrated platelets suspended in the plasma portion of the blood.
You may be asking, “how does this help horses heal from injuries?” Platelets contain a high level of growth factors which are important chemical messengers that are responsible for tissue regeneration within the horse's body. By injecting a high concentration of these messengers into an injured area we are able to help the injured area begin to heal itself at a more rapid rate. As anyone who has dealt with a tendon or ligament injury in their horse knows well, these injuries can be exceptionally hard to heal. Utilizing this treatment modality can increase the rate of healing while also helping the injured area stay healthy for longer after the injury has healed.
Pro’s to PRP Injections
Increased rate of healing
Able to return to work sooner
Can be administered stallside
Injections can last up to 1 year
Con’s to PRP Injections
Takes 3-4 weeks to see effect when using for joint inflammation
Higher upfront cost
We likewise want to establish what steroid injections are and discuss how they work. Steroids or Corticosteroids are an injectable synthetic drug that work to reduce joint inflammation quickly. Steroids are highly effective in horses with arthritis and can allow them to safely have prolonged careers. Steroids work by blocking the body's main inflammatory response therefore reducing the amount of inflamed cells that the body produces for the given area.
Pro’s to Steroids
Fast Acting
Affordable
Con’s to Steroids
Detectable on routine drug screens
Long term steroid use can have detrimental effects on synovial structures
Multiple treatments throughout the year
Horses with underlying metabolic issues can be at risk for laminitis