PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP) IN SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT LESIONS –
USE IN THREE THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSES
Pedro V. Michelotto Júnior1, Lívia M. Araújo2, Andréa Panza2, Cassiana M. G. Ramos1
Introduction: Lesions of the suspensory ligament (SL) of racehorses require long periods
to recover and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed as a new therapeutic option as
this product is a source of growth factors. Case Reports: Three thoroughbred racehorses
were referred due to lameness, heat and pain on palpation of a SL. In the first case (2 year
old male) ultrasonographic evaluation revealed a lesion of the insertion of the lateral branch
of the left front SL occupying 34% of the ligament cross-sectional area with echodensity
rated as being type III. The second case (3-year old male) had a lesion of the lateral branch
of the left front SL at the insertion. The lesion occupied 22% of the ligament cross-sectional
area with echodensity rated as type III-IV. The third case (2-year old male) had a lesion of
the medial region of the body of the left front SL in the region 0cm to 9cm from the
accessory carpal bone (ACB), occupying 30% of the ligament cross-sectional area with
echodensity rated as type IV. Materials and Methods: 100ml of blood was collected from
the jugular vein in sodium citrate 3.2%, then immediately centrifuged at 120g for 5 minutes.
The lower 50% portion of plasma was recovered and centrifuged at 240g for 5 minutes.
Thereafter subsequent 25% fraction of plasma was recovered in a syringe containing calcium
chloride (4.5mEq/ml of plasma). This syringe was prepared for use in ultrasound-guided
injection into the SL lesion of the sedated horse (acepromazine IM followed by xylazine plus
butorphanol IV). Results and Discussion: In case 1, re-evaluation 15 days after PRP
injection showed apparent complete resolution of the lesion. This horse resumed light
exercise. Horse 2 showed no improvement at 15 post-injection days but the lesion was
reduced by 48% when evaluated 30 days after the PRP injection. In the third horse the lesion
had reduced to the region from 6cm to 9cm from the ACB by 15 days of the PRP treatment.
Complete filling of the lesion was noted by day 30. Conclusion: Based on the results
obtained in the present study we suggest that PRP is a promising treatment for SL lesions of
horses, offering a reduced recovery period and good quality filling of the lesions when
1
Professor, Centro de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR),
São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil.
2
DVM, Clínica Santa Fé, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
evaluated by ultrasonography.
1
Professor, Centro de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR),
São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil.
2
DVM, Clínica Santa Fé, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.