IRAP
IRAP or Interleukin Receptor Antagonist Protein is an autologous (naturally occurring in the horse) alternative to steroid joint injections that is used to decrease inflammation in a joint.
The principle of IRAP as a therapy utilizes the body’s own immune system.
In times of injury or inflammation, the body produces inflammatory proteins (interleukins) which act as mediators of the inflammatory response. In the injured joint or synovial structure there are receptors for these interleukins. When the two bind, it acts as a catalyst for increased production of inflammatory proteins at the site of injury. Like many other inflammatory processes in the body, the process can become excessive and the inflammation ceases to have a positive function; instead becoming detrimental to the body and to healing processes. This can result in increased level of cartilage and joint damage leading to long term pain and arthritis.
The body also naturally makes a protein to minimize this inflammatory process: IRAP. This protein binds to the same receptor, effectively stopping or reducing the inflammatory cascade caused by interleukin.
When used as a therapy, blood is drawn from your horse into a syringe containing glass beads which cause the red blood cells in the syringe to produce a greater amount of the antagonist protein. The sample is incubated for 18 hours, centrifuged, and packaged into individual syringes. The serum resulting from this process contains a much higher concentration of antagonist protein than normal joint fluid and can be injected directly into your horse’s affected joint(s) or synovial structure(s).
PRP
PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma injection is used to
treat recent tendon and ligament injuries or those injuries that
have not responded to 
Soft tissue injuries treated with PRP have been shown to have a better quality of healing resulting in decreased likelihood of reinjury. Whole blood is pulled from your horse in a special syringe and centrifuged to select the portion containing the most platelets, or “platelet-rich plasma.” This harvesting process takes about 30 minutes and is done stall-side. The injection procedure is done in the standing, sedated horse with a local nerve block. Using ultrasound guidance, the PRP is injected directly into the lesion within the tendon or ligament. The horse is then placed on a strict rehabilitation program and progress is monitored every 60 days with ultrasound. PRP injection is an effective way to increase your horse’s ability to return to his full athletic potential following tendon or ligament injury.
Call us now at (970) 731-4100 to schedule an appointment.
Pro-Stride APS
Pro-Stride APS (Autologous Protein
Solution) is used to treat lameness and/or joint
inflammation, including arthritic conditions and soft tissue
injuries.
Noltrex Vet
PA gel (polyacrylimide gel) is
newer to the equine industry, though it has been used for many
years in human medicine. This gel has a direct lubricating effect
on the joint. Noltrex Vet is a great option for horses with
advanced joint degradation, to prolong the effect of
intra-articular injections, and horses who need joint support but
are at risk for laminitis (horses with PPID or metabolic issues).
Learn more here: Noltrex Vet
Resources
Alpha2EQ
α2M (alpha-2 macroglobulin) molecules are found in your horse's blood. As with any other orthobiologic, we can process your horse's blood to isolate these molecules so that we can inject them into a joint at a higher concentration. This particular molecule is especially used for slowing down the process of arthritis by preventing cartilage breakdown and loss. Learn more here: How Alpha-2EQ Works
Triamcinolone and Hyvisc
Corticosteroids and HA (hyaluronic acid) is the most common treatment utilized
for decreasing inflammation in joints. We use triamcinolone, which
has been proven to decrease inflammation in the joint and have a
positive impact over the life of the joint.
