SAEVA Proceedings 2016 | Page 161

  preferable to recover and store additional doses for later use in these patients. A new gold-induced ACS product (serum combined with gold particles) has been developed by Arthrogen (GOLDIC). It has been claimed that the gold particles have an immunomodulatory effect and trigger the production of gelsolin, an actin-binding protein that is a key regulator of actin filament assembly and disassembly. Preliminary research at the University of Zurich has yielded promising results for alleviation of joint pain. Dr. Thomas Weinberger, a German equine practitioner has formulated to following dosage chart for the use of ACS/IRAP: Coffin joint Pastern joint Fetlock joint Carpal joint Elbow joint Shoulder joint TMT joint Tarsocrural Stifle Hip joint amount/injection: Repeats; intervals a: 4 – 6 ml a: 2 – 4 ml a: 4 – 6 ml a: 2 – 4 ml a: 4 – 6 ml a: 4 – 8 ml a: 1 – 2 ml a: 6 – 8 ml a: 4 – 8 ml a: 4 – 8 ml r: 2 – 3x; 8 – 14 days r: 2 – 3x; 8 – 14 days r: 2 – 3x; 8 – 14 days r: 2 – 3x; 8 – 14 days r: 2 – 3x; 8 – 14 days r: 2 – 3x; 8 – 14 days r: 2 – 3x; 8 – 14 days r: 2 – 3x; 8 – 14 days r: 2 – 3x; 8 – 14 days r: 2 – 3x; 12 – 21 days Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is increasing in popularity as a therapy in equine lameness practice. A number of systems and techniques are available in the horse for production of PRP, using either centrifugation or filtration. A recent paper has demonstrated a wide variation in the number of platelets, leukocytes and growth factor levels between the different systems commercially available in equine practice, with one of the most popular systems hardly containing any increase in platelet or growth factor concentrations over whole blood (Hessel et al. 2014). Whilst such therapies are more frequently used in treatment of tendon and ligament injuries, PRP is also being increasingly used for treatment of mild to moderate osteoarthritis. It may be beneficial in cases with early cartilage pathology as opposed to established OA. However, as one of the main growth factors released by platelets is transforming growth factor-b, a growth factor with known profibrotic effects, intra-articular use needs further evaluation before it can be recommended in clinical practice. Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells The use of intra-articularly administered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is currently gaining some attention. There is some compelling evidence for efficacy of such therapy from a goat model of meniscal injury (Murphy et al. 2003). The mechanism of potential benefit of MSCs is unclear, but they are 15-­‐18  February  2016      East  London  Convention  Centre,  East  London,  South  Africa     160