Platelet-rich plasma in equine joints still lacks a clear playbook

Platelet-rich plasma remains popular in equine joint care, but the evidence base still hasn’t caught up with how widely the therapy is used. Recent reviews of the literature say PRP is being applied for equine osteoarthritis and other joint problems despite major variation in how products are prepared, whether they contain leukocytes, how they’re activated, and how they’re delivered into joints. That heterogeneity makes studies hard to compare and leaves clinicians without a clear consensus on the best protocol. At the same time, interest in orthobiologics continues to grow across equine practice, especially as same-day, stall-side options appeal to sports medicine clinicians. (mdpi.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the practical takeaway is that PRP may still have a place in selected cases, but product characterization matters. Reviews and expert guidance suggest equine PRP studies are limited, often inconsistent, and frequently underreport key variables such as platelet concentration, white blood cell content, red blood cell contamination, and activation method. AAEP proceedings note that this variability makes meaningful comparison nearly impossible, while some experts say PRP is used more often for soft-tissue injury than as an intra-articular therapy in horses. In other words, “PRP” isn’t one uniform treatment, which complicates case selection, client communication, and outcome expectations. (aaep.org)

What to watch: Expect more focus on standardized reporting, better product validation, and head-to-head studies that clarify which PRP formulations, if any, work best for specific equine joint conditions. (mdpi.com)