Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint problem in horses, causing over 60% of all equine lameness cases. While common in senior horses—affecting over 50% of horses older than 15 and 80-90% over age 30—it can affect horses of any age, particularly those in athletic careers. It is similar to that in people where there  is no cure for this progressive, degenerative disease, Many new treatment approaches are available beyond the age old corticosteroid/hyaluronic acid injections used commonly in the past.

RF pastern showing moderate boney changes associated with osteoarthritis/high ringbone

With a recent paper presented on the elevation of a horse’s insulin following the use of intra articular corticosteroids and its potentiation of laminitis, we thought a weekly series on orthobiologics and other intra-articular therapies would help horse owners understand the novel approaches to managing osteoarthritis in ho horses.

ProStride or Autologous Protein Solution (APS) is a concentrated mixture of platelets,  white blood cells, anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors produced via a specialized commercial device (e.g., Pro-Stride image above).

Similar to IRAP and PRP, Prostride works harnesses the bodies cytokines. In addition to a smaller amount of IL-1 RA seen in IRAP, the APS/ProStride preparation also contains alpha‑2‑macroglobulin and platelet‑derived growth factors (from PRP), which can inhibit proteolytic enzymes and inflammatory cytokines and provide trophic signals that support tissue repair. Together these actions reduce pain, swelling and the biochemical drivers of osteoarthritis.It is a stall side therapeutic that requires no incubation as we noted with our part 1 discussing IRAP.  As with other orthobiologics, ProStride helps mitigate joint pain, reduce fibrosis and help manage exercise induced iacute synovitis. Duration of action is variable based on the degree of joint pathology.

Prostride  is often used as a “one-visit” alternative to ACS/IRAP  because it can be processed stall-side.  Prostride has also been shown to improve synovial membrane histology with reduced inflammation.

Prostride allows for rapid processing; strong anti-inflammatory. effects though its concentration is still variable; Research is ongoing with ProStride  at our local CSU comparing its effect to corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid.

preparing the coffin joint for injection at Alpine Equine

Got a question on a lameness problem affecting your horse?  We are here to help.

Chuck Maker DVM   Justine Stalnaker DVM