Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ultrasound shows tendon healing in dogs after bone marrow
By McDougall, Renee A et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2018·Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Group, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ultrasonographic Findings in 41 Dogs Treated with Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate and Platelet-Rich Plasma for a Supraspinatus Tendinopathy: A Retrospective Study.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with supraspinatus tendinopathy (a shoulder tendon injury) received an injection of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to help with their condition. After treatment, the size of the affected tendon decreased, and most dogs showed improvement in the tendon’s structure and appearance within 90 days. In fact, 90% of the dogs had better fiber patterns and echogenicity, indicating healing. This treatment appears to be a promising option for dogs suffering from this painful condition, potentially leading to better mobility and comfort.
People also search for: dog shoulder injury treatment · supraspinatus tendinopathy in dogs · BMAC PRP for dog tendon injury
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report sonographic findings for dogs with a supraspinatus tendinopathy (ST) treated with an ultrasound-guided intratendinous injection of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). METHODS: Medical records for dogs diagnosed with an ST and treated with a BMAC-PRP injection were reviewed. Data collected included patient signalment, radiographic findings at the time of initial evaluation, and sonographic findings, including cross-sectional area (CSA), fiber pattern, and echogenicity. RESULTS: Of 70 records reviewed, 41 met the inclusion criteria. Mean CSA of the supraspinatus tendon decreased by 0.06 cmbetween baseline and 45 days post-treatment (= 0.0025), and 0.09 cmbetween baseline and 90 days post-treatment (< 0.0001). Analysis of CSA in dogs with a unilateral ST at baseline revealed a difference of 0.08 cmbetween the affected and unaffected tendon at baseline, with the affected tendon measuring larger than the contralateral tendon (< 0.0001). This difference became statistically insignificant by 45 days after treatment (u-u= 0.04 cm,= 0.2855) and remained so 90 days post-treatment (u-u= 0.03 cm,= 0.1910). In most cases (90.6%), the fiber pattern and echogenicity was considered improved 90 days post treatment. In a minority of these cases (13.8%) the fiber pattern and echogenicity abnormalities were considered resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Using qualitative and quantitative sonographic measures, BMAC-PRP was associated with an improvement in supraspinatus tendon size, fiber pattern, and echogenicity. Given the protracted nature of tendon healing, long-term evaluation may reveal continued improvements in chronic structural changes not captured during the current study. Functional studies are required to evaluate the clinical benefits of BMAC-PRP in the treatment of STs in dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: An ST is a common contributor to forelimb lameness in dogs and remains notoriously difficult to treat. Previous studies have been associated with inconsistent treatment outcomes. In the current study, BMAC-PRP is investigated as a minimally invasive treatment option, revealing positive sonographic results.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29868619/