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Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T2011; 24(5); 363-369; doi: 10.3415/VCOT-11-01-0001

Evaluation of a filter-prepared platelet concentrate for the treatment of suspensory branch injuries in horses.

Abstract: Platelet preparations have become a treatment for soft tissue injuries in horses. This study evaluated a novel filter-based system to concentrate platelets and assesses its value in the treatment of suspensory ligament branch desmitis. Methods: Filtered platelet concentrate was prepared from 55 ml of venous blood obtained from 21 normal horses. Platelets and white blood cells in whole blood and filtered platelet concentrate were measured, as was platelet activating factor (PAF)-induced platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) release. Eleven horses with 18 focal acute suspensory ligament branch injuries were treated intra-lesionally with autologous filtered platelet concentrate and evaluated clinically and ultrasonographically for one to three years. Results: The increase in concentration of platelets in the filtered concentrate in comparison with whole blood (6.9 ± 1.9-fold) was significantly greater than the increase in white blood cells (3.8 ± 0.8-fold) (p 100-fold higher levels of PDGF release over basal levels. All hypoechoic lesions re-evaluated within three months had resolved. Five of the 11 horses returned to their previous level of work, one was exercising at a lower level, three were retired, one died for unrelated reasons, and one was still convalescing. Conclusions: Filtered platelet concentrate was easily and reliably prepared and injected into suspensory ligament branch injuries without short-term complications. This treatment was associated with rapid resolution of ultrasonographic lesions and lameness. Filtered platelet concentrate represents a convenient alternative for the treatment of suspensory ligament branch injuries.
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Publication Date: 2011-09-02 PubMed ID: 21887455DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-11-01-0001Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Clinical Trial
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research investigates a new filtering method for preparing platelet concentrate to treat ligament injuries in horses. It explores the efficacy of this approach and its impact on the horses’ recovery and return to previous activity levels.

Research Methodology

  • To evaluate the new method, platelet concentrate was prepared using the filter-based system from the venous blood of 21 healthy horses.
  • The researchers measured platelets and white blood cells in both the whole blood and the filtered platelet concentrate.
  • In addition, they also measured the release of a growth factor named PDGF-BB when the platelet activating factor (PAF) stimulated the platelets.
  • The researchers then used this concentrate to treat 11 horses with ligament injuries, keeping track of their progress for 1 to 3 years post-treatment.

Results of the Study

  • The platelet concentrate prepared through the filtering method had a higher platelet concentration than whole blood, indicating the effectiveness of the filtering system.
  • Platelets in the concentrate responded actively to PAF, indicating the presence of healthy and functional cells.
  • All horses treated with this method showed resolution of ultrasonographic lesions within three months, suggesting the therapy was effective for treating these injuries.
  • Among the treated horses, fewer than half were able to return to their previous activity level. Some retired, continued convalescing, exercised at a lower level, or passed away due to unrelated causes.

Conclusions

  • The preparation of filtered platelet concentrate was straightforward and reliable.
  • The injected concentrate into ligament injuries was performed without short-term complications.
  • The treatment demonstrated rapid resolution of ultrasonographic lesions and lameness.
  • This method could be a beneficial alternative treatment for suspensory ligament branch injuries in horses.

The study effectively highlights the potential benefits of using filtered platelet concentrate for treating ligament injuries in horses. However, more research, perhaps with larger sample sizes and varied equine demographics, may be needed for a more comprehensive understanding of this treatment method’s benefits and potential limitations.

Cite This Article

APA
Castelijns G, Crawford A, Schaffer J, Ortolano GA, Beauregard T, Smith RK. (2011). Evaluation of a filter-prepared platelet concentrate for the treatment of suspensory branch injuries in horses. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol, 24(5), 363-369. https://doi.org/10.3415/VCOT-11-01-0001

Publication

Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T
ISSN: 0932-0814
NlmUniqueID: 8906319
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 24
Issue: 5
Pages: 363-369

Researcher Affiliations

Castelijns, G
  • Equihealth Vetrinarios SL, Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Crawford, A
    Schaffer, J
      Ortolano, G A
        Beauregard, T
          Smith, R K W

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Blood Platelets
            • Horse Diseases / therapy
            • Horses / injuries
            • Ligaments / injuries
            • Treatment Outcome

            Citations

            This article has been cited 15 times.
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