Platelet Enhancement Therapy – it’s a Cracker!

The instructions!

At Withy Grove we have started using Platelet Enhancement Therapy (V-PET) to help dogs with painful joints and ligaments. This therapy has been used all over the world but is now becoming more popular.

Our first patient was Cracker, a Labrador with sore arthritic elbows, wrists and toes. She had had various pain killers but we were struggling so our vet, Suanne, decided to give V-PET a go.

Cracker waiting for the exit door to be opened at the surgery.

What is it?

Platelets are in the bloodstream and they help with blood clotting and tissue repair. We know they contain over 5000 ‘growth factors’ which are used to enhance healing and repair so we can use these to help the body ‘heal itself’. By using your dog’s own platelets there are no side effects and no drugs involved, it is using nature to heal itself

What do we do?

We take a small sample of your pet’s own blood and filter out and concentrate the platelets from it. Then we re inject these platelets back into the sore joint or area.  The platelets are activated at the site of the injury, releasing the growth factors which then accelerate healing, regenerating tissue and helping new blood supply to come in too. The whole procedure is done on one day so your pet doesn’t have to come back. We usually use our therapeutic laser at the same time to further stimulate the body’s reaction.

 

The blood sample drawn up.

 

 

 

 

 

The instructions!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sample being filtered before being injected back into the dog.

What are the results?

We have only done a small number of dogs but the results have been excellent with increased mobility and significant pain reduction in all the cases. The idea is to get your dog off medication but it can be used alongside conventional medicines and supplements too. We also have an in house Physiotherapist who can help your pet with exercises.

Ask us about Platelet Enhancement Therapy or pop in to pick up a leaflet – a natural choice for treating lameness in dogs!

 

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