Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) For Your Pet | Gippsland Veterinary Hospital
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous conditioned serum (commonly called IRAP) are regenerative treatments made from your horse’s own blood. They’re used to support healing in soft tissue injuries and to manage joint inflammation and osteoarthritis.
At Gippsland Veterinary Hospital, we offer PRP and IRAP-style therapies as part of our approach to managing tendon, ligament, and joint conditions in horses.
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Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) FAQs
Just a few common questions about Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). If there is something else you need to know just ask in the Contact Us form below!
What's the difference between PRP and IRAP?
PRP concentrates platelets and growth factors from your horse’s blood and is primarily used for soft tissue injuries such as tendon and ligament damage. IRAP (autologous conditioned serum) is incubated to produce anti-inflammatory proteins and is primarily used for joint inflammation and osteoarthritis. PRP supports tissue repair; IRAP reduces inflammation. Some horses benefit from both, depending on what’s being treated.
How quickly will I see results?
These treatments support healing over time rather than providing immediate improvement. For tendon and ligament injuries treated with PRP, meaningful progress is typically seen over weeks to months, with full rehabilitation taking 6–12 months. For joint conditions treated with IRAP, some horses show improvement within a few weeks of starting the injection series, though this varies. Patience and adherence to the rehabilitation plan are essential.
Can PRP or IRAP be repeated if the problem comes back?
Yes, both treatments can be repeated. For chronic joint conditions, some horses benefit from periodic IRAP courses as part of long-term management. For tendon injuries, a repeat PRP treatment may be considered if healing plateaus or if re-injury occurs. We’ll assess your horse’s response and advise on whether repeat treatment is appropriate.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Because PRP and IRAP are made from your horse’s own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is essentially zero. The main risks are those associated with any injection: mild swelling, soreness, or very rarely infection at the injection site. Joint injections carry a small risk of septic arthritis, which is why strict sterile technique is essential. We’ll explain what to watch for after treatment.