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In this episode Sara and I discuss ‘regenerative therapy’ –where we are actually able to put the dog’s own blood components to work in pain reduction and healing. Regenerating sick and injured tissue in this manner has numerous benefits to the dog’s quality of life and longevity. I hope you enjoy this episode.

The following information provided compliments of Companion Animal Health;

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma is an autologous (self-derived) conditioned plasma that contains a high concentration of platelets. Platelets contain numerous growth factors that facilitate tissue repair and healing. These growth factors are contained in the alpha granule portion of the cell and are released from the platelet when it is activated (usually at an area of injury). A few examples of these growth factors are Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β), Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), and Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF). The roles of these growth factors range from vessel development and repair to cellular recruitment and activation.

Platelet-rich plasma contains numerous growth factors that facilitate tissue healing and repair. Growth factors are small proteins that are contained within a compartment inside the platelet called the alpha granule. When a platelet is exposed to an area of damage or to fibrinogen, it becomes activated and changes its shape so that the alpha granule releases its growth factors. These growth factors play an important role in tissue repair by promoting new vessel formation, enhancing cellular proliferation, and promoting extracellular matrix formation.

Stem Cells
Stem cells may be classified into two groups based on their origin: embryonic and adult stem cells. For all intents and purposes, we will focus on adult stem cells. Adult stem cells are found in every tissue of the body, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, skin, and the liver. These cells have the ability to differentiate into any type of tissue (pluripotent) under the appropriate circumstances and can additionally activate surrounding cells to aid in wound healing and tissue repair. Stem cells can also go through several cycles of cell division/replication without differentiating into a specific tissue type.

When stem cells are injected in a concentrated form, they perform various functions to repair and regenerate tissue. They have the ability to differentiate into the surrounding tissue types, which can include bone, cartilage, tendon, ligament, muscle, and nervous tissue.

Other primary functions of stem cells in regenerative therapy include:
Activating surrounding resident stem cells
Stimulating new blood supply
Recruiting additional cell types to aid in tissue repair and cleanup
Stimulating healing and tissue growth with the release of cytokines and growth factors
Decreasing inflammation by moderating inflammatory pathways
Reducing and/or eliminating scar tissue
Creating a scaffold for healing tissues via extracellular matrix

Indications for Use
Regenerative therapies, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) stem cell therapies, can be used for a wide range of conditions, including:
Osteoarthritis
Ligament injuries
Tendon injuries
Burn wounds
Open wounds
Bone grafts
Certain spinal conditions

A very informative animated video can be found at https://youtu.be/4wNuz2Xqd30?feature=shared

For more information or to learn if regenerative therapy might benefit your dog call Pleasant Valley Veterinary Care at 814-258-5719 and schedule an appointment with Dr. John Weiner.