Clinical Efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Elbow Osteoarthritis in Twenty Dogs

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of canine elbow osteoarthritis.

Materials and Methods: Twenty dogs with elbow osteoarthritis and previous elbow arthroscopy were randomized and assigned to two groups, the treatment group and the control group. Ten patients in the treatment group received an intra-articular injection of 2.0 mL of PRP in the affected elbow(s). Ten patients were placed in the control group and did not receive any treatments. All dogs were evaluated at Day 0, 14, 30, 60, and 90 with an examination with bilateral goniometric measurement of the elbow and temporospatial gait analysis. Clients completed the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) at each evaluation. Statistical analysis significance established at < 0.05 was performed.

Results: Fourteen dogs had bilateral elbow osteoarthritis, three dogs had left elbow osteoarthritis, and three dogs had right elbow osteoarthritis. Mean elbow flexion at Day 0 and 90 were 50.3° and 43.9°, respectively, in the PRP treatment group, and 48.4° and 46°, respectively, in the control group. Mean TPI% at a walk at Day 0 and 90 were 28.8% and 29.6%, respectively, in the PRP treatment group, and 28.6% and 29.4%, respectively, in the control group. Statistical analysis results are pending.

Discussion/Conclusion: PRP should be considered for the treatment of canine elbow osteoarthritis.

Acknowledgement: Funding for this study was provided by Companion Regenerative Therapies.