Equine Joint Therapies (IRAP vs PRP vs Polyacrylamide)

Interluekin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP) is naturally produced in the blood. IRAP therapy involves the collection of the horse’s blood, stimulating the growth of the antagonist protein in this blood, isolating the protein rich serum, and then injecting it into the affected joint.

Blood for IRAP therapy is drawn from horse’s jugular vein into a special tube used to stimulate the growth of the antagonist protein. It is incubated for 24 hours, then cetrifuged for 10 minutes. Each blood collection can yield 4 to 6 doses. Dose size is specific to each joint. Any remaining doses can be stored for future use.

Treatment with IRAP consists of four treatments, one week apart. These can be performed in hospital or on the farm. The most dramatic results occur typically after the third and fourth treatments.

Prp

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative medicine treatment that delivers a high concentration of platelets in the form of blood plasma to a joint, increasing the amount growth factors at the site to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Blood for PRP therapy is collected from the horse’s jugular vein into special tubes and then centrifuged, separating the majority of the red and white blood cells from the platelets and plasma, thus forming platelet-rich plasma.

Treatment of joints with PRP is the same as injecting any other products. This is typically performed at the hospital due to the short-term life of the sample after centrifugation. These samples must be used at time of processing and only allows one treatment per collection.

Polyacrylamide

Polyacrylamide Hydrogel comes in a prepacked application ready for injection. The hydrogel consists of cross-linked polyacrylamide in water. After injection, the cells integrate into the synovial membrane through blood vessel ingrowth. This helps to increase the cushioning and lubrication of the joint.

Treatment of joints with hydrogel can be performed in the field or at the hospital. One application is used per joint treated. Hydrogel is typically reserved for patients with more advanced osteoarthritis, but can be used at any stage.

If your horse is experiencing joint pain/osteoarthritis, consult your veterinarian to see which product is best for your horse’s condition.