Posted: 3rd June 2025 | Back to news feed
Thoroughbred, Monk, highlights benefits of Moorcroft’s unique Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) for treatment of arthritis and musculoskeletal issues
This beautiful, bay thoroughbred, Monk, came to Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Centre in Slinfold, as a 12yr old ex-racehorse. He had show-jumped after his racing career and was significantly struggling with all his work. He was lame, very sore in his back and generally a very unhappy horse.
He was diagnosed with Facet Joint arthritis in his thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, which was causing him much pain when ridden or worked. Steroid treatments were not suiting him at all and only provided pain relief for a very short space of time. He would then return to pain and discomfort, making muscle development extremely hard to achieve. Like most horses, he really wanted to be here and work, and he loved human interaction, constantly trying very hard to please. He is stoic and hardworking, and loved life.
At our centre in West Sussex, we had been looking into the use of a unique, high-potency Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). We subsequently partnered with Advanced Biologics Research, who were able to work with us to provide this pioneering treatment, along with our attending Vet, Vasco Lopez MRCVS.
Monk had his first treatments of P.R.P. in February and the improvement was so significant that we knew we had to look further into this treatment or the sake of all horses that come our way.
The condition referred to here - Facet Joint arthritis - can be missed by many vets and can cause much pain and discomfort and muscle atrophy. It is diagnosed by x-ray and ultrasound scan and the P.R.P. is injected into the exact area of pain with ultrasound guidance. The regenerative qualities of this P.R.P. in relation to the pain has amazed us all at how speedily it allows the pain to subside. It helps enables the horse to breathe, work more comfortably and start to develop good quality muscle in the affected area. Without treatment, the pain will cause muscles to atrophy quickly, further damaging the horse and causing discomfort.
At Moorcroft, we are having huge success with P.R.P. treatments for many painful ailments and orthopaedic conditions that can affect horses. We are fully engaged in providing data – indeed our latest two-year findings reveal a strong correlation between platelet concentration and the ability to stimulate wound healing and tissue regeneration for a range of conditions including chronic arthritis, kissing spines, facet joint pain, and tendon and ligament injuries.
We feel extremely encouraged and excited by this treatment and its latest findings, offering real hope and optimism for all those who work for and care for horses in the industry.
The images of Monk really help to showcase his renewed strength and muscle development, just three months after his P.R.P. treatment. His more comfortable state has enabled him to enjoy better quality work and a chance to develop good quality healthy muscle, ensuring that other ailments were taken care of too. A true success story!
Mary L Frances BHSII & BHS.SM, is CEO at Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Centre. For more information, please visit moorcroftracehorse.org.uk or call: 07929 666408
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