Prolotherapy for Dog Joint Pain

by Hazel, Site Editor

When an older dog starts getting intermittent pain or suffering from lameness especially after exercise, it may be an indication that s/he is starting to develop osteoarthritis. Signs of early onset of osteoarthritis may not show up on an x-ray, and in such cases, many veterinarians will treat the pain and lameness with non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and recommend rest.

Some dogs may also suffer from chronic joint pain caused by some form of "soft-tissue injury" (tendons and ligaments). Soft-tissue injuries are hard to heal completely, and recurrence is frequent.

Introducing "prolotherapy" - which involves the injection of sterile nutrient solutions or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) directly into weakened connective tissues such as joints, tendons and ligaments. This injection promotes increased collagen formation by stimulating local stem cell growth. The stem cells then differentiate into the cells necessary for repairing the injury or degenerative condition.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is prepared by drawing a small quantity of blood from the dog patient. The blood is then placed in a special processing centrifuge that separates platelets, white blood cells (WBC) and serum from red blood cells. The platelets and WBCs are then concentrated and collected into a sterile syringe. Some of the blood is used to create an “activator” of the PRP. The concentrated mixture of platelets and WBCs are then injected into the injured site.

The procedure requires that the dog be sedated and the typical hospital stay is half a day. The injections can be placed into multiple locations at one session, and usually a series of three to five sessions, two to four weeks apart, is required.

The result of prolotherapy is stronger and healthier bonds in the connective tissue with each treatment, until the healing is complete and the pain gone.

If your dog is starting to show signs of osteoarthritis, or has been diagnosed with mild form of hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Wobbler's syndrome, or anterior cruciate injury (ACL), ask your vet about prolotherapy, or ask him/her to recommend a vet trained in prolotherapy to take a look at your dog to see if the dog is a suitable candidate for this therapy. You may also find a vet trained in prolotherapy on the American Holistic Veterinarians Association’s website.