What is ProStride therapy?
ProStride is an autologous regenerative therapy, meaning it is made from the horse’s own blood. A blood sample is processed to concentrate platelets, growth factors, anti-inflammatory proteins, and other healing components. PRP is a similar treatment used primarily to heal tendons and ligaments.
What to expect during your horse’s ProStride treatment
Treatment begins with a lameness exam to pinpoint the source of your horse’s discomfort, often with imaging to confirm which joint is involved. On treatment day, we draw a blood sample from your horse and process it during the same visit, so there is no need to send anything to an outside lab.
The finished solution is then injected into the affected joint, often with ultrasound or X-ray guidance to help with accurate placement. Afterward, we give you instructions for rest, a gradual return to work and when to schedule a recheck.
Is ProStride a good fit for your horse?
ProStride may be worth discussing if your horse:
- Has joint inflammation or early arthritis causing lameness
- Has not responded as hoped to other joint treatments
- Is a performance horse whose joint health you want to protect over a long career
- Has health concerns that make you want to discuss alternatives to a steroid injection
Every horse is different. We will look at your horse’s exam findings, workload and history with you before recommending ProStride or another option.
Ask whether ProStride could help your horse
If your horse is battling joint soreness, call us at (952) 435-8387 to schedule a lameness evaluation and talk through treatment options.
ProStride Therapy - FAQ
How is ProStride made?
ProStride is a stall-side device. Your horse’s own blood is collected and spun in a centrifuge, which separates and concentrates the useful components without any incubation or off-site processing. The finished product is ready to use within about 15 to 20 minutes of centrifugation, so treatment can usually be given at the same visit. Source: Zoetis
What does ProStride contain?
ProStride produces what is called an autologous protein solution. It contains concentrated platelets and white blood cells along with anti-inflammatory proteins, such as interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, and growth factors. Studies suggest it may help most in milder arthritis, and it has not been shown to reverse joint disease, so it works best as part of a complete management plan. Source: NIH PubMed Central
How is ProStride different from PRP or IRAP?
All three come from your horse’s blood. PRP concentrates platelets and growth factors. IRAP, or autologous conditioned serum, requires a 24-hour incubation. ProStride’s autologous protein solution is prepared at the horse’s side without incubation and given as a single joint injection. In controlled studies of horses with osteoarthritis, one injection reduced lameness and improved pain and gait scores. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual
Are there other regenerative options for horses?
Yes. Regenerative therapies also include platelet-rich plasma, which is most often used for tendon and ligament injuries, IRAP for joint inflammation and osteoarthritis, and stem cells collected from bone marrow or fat. Each has different preparation steps and uses, and the right choice depends on whether the problem is in a joint, tendon or ligament. Source: American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Why choose ProStride instead of a steroid injection?
Corticosteroids are the most commonly used joint anti-inflammatory and remain a good option for many horses. Other choices include hyaluronan, polysulfated glycosaminoglycans and blood-derived products such as PRP, autologous conditioned serum and autologous protein solution. The best choice depends on the joint, the stage of disease and your horse’s overall health. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual
