Orthobiologic therapy (“Biologic therapy)” is sometimes referred to as regenerative medicine. It is a new emerging modality for a variety of disease problems in our patients. Not every case that comes to Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics needs surgery. However, for osteoarthritis flare-ups, and tendon or ligament injuries; Dr. David Dycus may recommend biologic therapy.

The goal of biologic therapy is to take the patient’s own cells or blood and convert it to a high concentration of growth factors and anti-inflammatories and inject it into an area of otherwise poor healing. To get the best response from biologic therapy we must have a definitive diagnosis and must be able to treat or manage the underlying condition.

Therefore, before recommending biologic therapy, Dr. David Dycus will do a complete orthopedic examination along with imaging. This may include radiographs (X-ray), a CT scan, musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US), and/or arthroscopy.

Of the various types of biologic therapy, at Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics we most commonly use platelet rich plasma (PRP). To produce PRP we will collect blood from your pet and in our Biologic Therapy laboratory we will spin the blood down to produce a high concentration of platelets.

Within the platelets are high concentrations of various growth factors and anti-inflammatories to help with tissue healing. Once the PRP is produced we will then either use ultrasound guidance to inject the PRP around the damaged tendon, or we will inject the PRP into a diseased joint. To minimize discomfort while injecting your pet is placed under a brief sedation.

PRP injections are usually done as an outpatient basis and pets go home the same day. In most conditions we will recommend a PRP series such that we recommend 2-3 injections separated by 2-week intervals.

What happens after the injections?

Depending on the disease condition the period of rest and relaxation will vary, but in many cases is about 8-12 weeks. This means no running, jumping, or playing.

  • In the house they can have freedom to move around as long as they are not jumping onto/off the furniture or racing up/downstairs. Stair usage is acceptable on an as needed basis, going slow, and on the leash.
  • Anytime your pet is taken outside, they will need to be on a leash to urinate and defecate (even if you have a fenced in yard).
  • When your pet is home alone or not directly supervised, they are placed in a crate, small laundry room or bathroom, or a small portion of the house sectioned off so that your dog can’t overdo it.
Because the PRP injections are an adjunct to help facilitate healing, at Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, we recommend physical rehabilitation beginning around 1 week following the first injection. Rehabilitation will involve once to twice weekly formal rehabilitation sessions along with at home exercises. We have noted quicker healing, maintenance of muscle mass and range of motion, and superior outcome in the patients that undergo formal rehabilitation. Furthermore, rehabilitation offers an outlet of energy in a controlled manner so that your dog is still able to maintain some activity while healing.

Are there any complications?

At Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, we take great pride ensuring our patients return to as normal function as soon as possible. Complications following PRP injections and usage of biologic therapy are rare. Infection is a possibility; however, infection rates are low, and, in some cases, we will send home antibiotics after the injections.

Some patients may experience a temporary worsening of clinical signs for the first 24-72 hours after the injections.