Top Regenerative Therapies in Veterinary Medicine

Evidence-Based Options for Equine, Canine, and Feline Care

Regenerative medicine is expanding the options veterinarians use to manage musculoskeletal disease, chronic inflammation, and tissue injury. While evidence varies by therapy and species, several regenerative approaches now have growing support in peer-reviewed veterinary studies. Below is a practical, evidence-based overview of commonly used regenerative therapies in veterinary medicine, what they are, why they’re used, and where the current evidence stands.

🧬 1) Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is derived from an animal’s own blood and processed to concentrate platelets. Platelets contain growth factors and signaling proteins that play a role in tissue repair and healing.

Why it’s used
PRP is widely applied for tendon and ligament injuries, osteoarthritis, wounds and soft-tissue injuries, and joint pain. It is commonly used in horses and dogs, and increasingly in cats, particularly when veterinarians seek a biologically active therapy derived from the animal’s own body.

Evidence
PRP is supported by a broad body of veterinary literature. Reviews published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association report positive outcomes across several conditions. These reviews also note that variability in PRP preparation methods and platelet concentrations can influence clinical effectiveness.

Key literature
JAVMA review on PRP and platelet-derived products in canine medicine
https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/262/S1/javma.23.12.0692.xml

JAVMA review on intra-articular PRP and derivatives in canine osteoarthritis
https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/263/11/javma.25.01.0033.xml

🧬 2) Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is another blood-derived product that forms a fibrin matrix, creating a scaffold that may allow for more sustained local release of growth factors compared with PRP in some applications.

Why it’s used
PRF is most often discussed for wound healing, soft-tissue repair, and dentistry or periodontal applications.

Evidence
Current evidence includes case series and clinical reports supporting PRF use in wound management across species. While promising, large controlled trials remain limited.

🐴 3) Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses externally applied acoustic waves to stimulate biological responses in tissues, including changes in blood flow, inflammation, and cellular activity.

Why it’s used
ESWT is most commonly applied for equine tendon and ligament injuries, musculoskeletal pain, and osteoarthritis. It is also used in dogs and, less frequently, in cats, typically as a non-invasive adjunct to other treatments.

Evidence
A systematic review of ESWT across horses, dogs, and cats found limited but promising evidence, particularly for short-term pain relief and certain musculoskeletal conditions in horses and dogs. Evidence in cats remains sparse.

Key literature
Systematic review of ESWT in horses, dogs, and cats
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9686741/

🩹 4) Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS / IRAP)

Autologous conditioned serum (ACS), also known as IRAP, is produced from the animal’s own blood and processed to increase levels of anti-inflammatory proteins, particularly interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP).

Why it’s used
ACS / IRAP is primarily used for osteoarthritis and chronic joint inflammation. It is well established in equine medicine and is being used more frequently in dogs.

Evidence
Studies in horses with osteoarthritis demonstrate improvements in comfort and joint function, supporting IRAP as a biologic alternative to corticosteroids or long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in select cases.

Key literature
Blinded controlled equine osteoarthritis study (AJVR)
https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/ajvr/68/3/ajvr.68.3.290.pdf

Comparative review of ACS / IRAP in veterinary medicine
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.602978/full

💥 5) Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy involves injecting dextrose or other irritant solutions into ligaments or tendons to provoke a localized inflammatory response intended to stimulate tissue repair.

Why it’s used
Prolotherapy is commonly applied for ligament and tendon injuries, chronic joint instability, and persistent musculoskeletal pain. It is most often reported in dogs and cats, particularly when conservative treatments have not been successful.

Evidence
Most veterinary literature on prolotherapy consists of case series and practitioner reports, with few controlled clinical trials. While some clinicians report favorable outcomes, broader evidence remains preliminary.

Key literature
Article: A Case for Prolotherapy and Its Place in Veterinary Medicine
https://journalofprolotherapy.com/a-case-for-prolotherapy-and-its-place-in-veterinary-medicine/

🔦 6) Regenerative Laser / Photobiomodulation Therapy

Photobiomodulation therapy, often delivered using Class IV lasers, applies specific wavelengths of light to influence cellular metabolism, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair.

Why it’s used
This therapy is commonly applied as a non-invasive adjunct for reducing inflammation, accelerating wound healing, and managing pain. It is used across equine, canine, and feline patients.

Evidence
Research suggests potential benefits for inflammation reduction and wound healing, though clinical trial quality and treatment protocols vary. It is generally recommended as a supportive therapy rather than a primary regenerative treatment.

Key literature
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine overview and clinical applications
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/about-us/news/20190104/regenerative-laser-therapy-proves-beneficial-equine-athletes-cornell-ruffian-equine-specialists

Final Thought

As regenerative medicine continues to evolve, the best outcomes are most likely achieved when biologic therapies are selected thoughtfully, matched to appropriate clinical cases, and supported by credible evidence, reliable products, and ongoing education.