IRAP
IRAP therapy is the latest technology for the treatment of degenerative joint conditions in horses, and is now available at the Oakey Veterinary Hospital. IRAP therapy utilises anti-inflammatory mediators and enzymes produced by the horses' own white blood cells to reduce the inflammatory phase of joint disease, and promote cartilage regeneration.
Blood is collected from the horse and incubated for 24 hours in syringes containing glass beads which induce production of therapeutic proteins, the main one of which is Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein. The sample is then centrifuged and the serum containing these proteins is harvested for injection into the affected joint.
Typically 3 treatments of the affected joint at weekly intervals is recommended for optimum results. This technique is safe to use in performance horses allowing a drug free approach to treatment of arthritis in competition horses.