The process would use White Dog's own blood to concentrate platelets 3 to 8+ times above the levels found in whole blood. These products are produced by centrifugation and can include white and red blood cells along with the platelets and plasma. The plasma would then be reinjected into in WD's hips and leg joints. According to this momma's research, this from the Veterinary Health Center of the University of Missouri, "the rationale for using PRP is that platelets contain many growth factors and signaling molecules in their granules. The most important of these are considered to be transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF). These growth factors reduce the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1 and TNF-a, which dampens the neutrophil response and the production of destructive matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).1 Additionally, they encourage proliferation and differentiation of resident cells. The goal is that the body’s natural healing response is enhanced by delivering a high concentration of growth factors directly to the site of injury."
The success rate is impressive, even for older dogs and the therapy can last up to a year. Dr. Julia has used PRP Therapy on several of her patients with a positive result in each. The only down side is that White Dog may need to be sedated or completely put under. Her age and thinness are concerns.
We have scheduled a date next week when Dr. Julia will assess White Dog; if she considers the sedation too risky we will not proceed. If WD has gained a bit of weight and is alert, the therapy will hopefully be the start of physical, especially walking, improvement.
Toward the goal of weight gain, White Dog and I have had a heart-to-heart. She can still continue to nibble at whatever she desires to eat BUT momma will add in a slurry of delicious, healthy, high calorie foods because her noshing is not sufficient amounts of food. She will drink my mixture as a "shake" of sorts, delivered with a pipette. We will slurry eat breakfast and dinner and she is free to share Steve's office luncheon. Additionally, she can have dessert and treats as she wants.
Paws and fingers are crossed here that The Little White Dog of My Heart will add enough "padding" to ease our healer's risk fears. There is no way White Dog will undergo the procedure if she is not safe; we will postpone and keep working on her weight.
Whatever happens on the 24th, the special feeding plan gives me the chance to hold My Girl a couple of time extra each day and reassure her. "Sweet One," I tell her, "you have loyally walked by my side for YEARS as I have struggled with regaining my health, I am honored that you are letting me do this for YOU."
Paws crossed and positive thoughts, please. .
3 comments:
All paws crossed here. PRP is a good thing, our Dad's dentist uses it for rapid healing after dental surgery. All the best little sweet one.
Paws crossed here, as Teka starts a program to acquire another dog or two so we will have more paws to be crossed here in order to offer support.
Don’t tell her it is a hopeless cause, at least until she can be a bit less needy and demanding so we can even begin to locate another pup.
Until then, paws are crossed and prayers coming. For Miss Siku Marie. We
Our paws, fingers and toes are crossed and our hearts hoping for Siku's improved weight and health. PRP sounds really good. Much love and belated Birthday wishes. Becky
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