What is regenerative medicine?
At West Midland Referrals, we are passionate about quality of life for animals and this can sometimes be achieved through non-traditional veterinary care – through the use of regenerative therapy.
Injury, age and essential operations can all have an impact on mobility and cause pain. Regenerative medicine uses various combinations of natural mechanisms of tissue repair to encourage healing.
Regenerative medicine primarily utilises the following:
- Platelets – release growth factors and cytokines
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) – anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory, potential to differentiate into many cell types to restore, balance and repair damaged tissue.
We can offer PRP treatment which involves taking a blood sample from a sedated or anaesthetised patient, spinning the sample down to obtain plasma containing concentrated platelets only with minimal white or red blood cells, and injecting this concentrated solution into the required area (e.g. into a painful joint).
Benefits
- Encourages healing rather than simply providing pain relief.
- Targeted treatment is administered at the site where it is needed rather than giving systemic medication.
In the case of PRP, it is autologous, i.e. we are using the patient’s own tissues with no synthetic components administered and as such it is well tolerated and should not incite a foreign body reaction. The treatment can be repeated, either at 3-6 weeks after the first if an incomplete response is seen, or as required in the future if/when lameness returns. PRP can either be used in conjunction with analgesia or as a means of reducing the requirement for further medication.
Complications are equivalent to those associated with arthrocentesis (joint fluid sampling) and are limited to a very low risk of introducing infection (septic arthritis – minimised by performing under aseptic conditions and using a closed system such as that which we have) and causing mild transient inflammation.
Indications include (but not limited to): osteoarthritis/DJD, post-operative for many joint surgeries (e.g. cruciate, elbow arthroscopy), chronic wounds, tendon and ligament conditions.
Cost
£1369 – Standalone Treatment
£969 – Following Surgical Treatment
We offer fixed pricing for complete peace of mind, and referral is easy.
Are you a vet and looking to refer your patient to us? Complete our online referral form here.
If you are unable to see the surgery you are looking for or would like to refer to us please call 01543 414248
