Pro-Stride (Autologous Protein Solution): An All Natural Alternative To Steroid Joint Injections

Osteoarthritis is a performance limiting problem for many of our equine athletes and a cause of chronic pain. To treat joint arthritis, we have traditionally used (and still do in some circumstances) corticosteroids. Recently, however, regenerative medicine has taken a front seat in the treatment of joint inflammation. That is because, over time and with repeated injections, certain corticosteroids can actually have deleterious effects on joint cartilage despite the fact that they are quite effective in reducing pain and inflammation in the short term.

Osteoarthritis is a multifactorial disease, in which excessive forces or trauma affect the normal function of the joint, resulting in production of pro-inflammatory cells called cytokines. These cytokines destroy joint cartilage over time. Your horse has several naturally occurring inflammatory inhibitors that block the pro-inflammatory cytokines. These include IRAP, SIL-1R, and STNF-Rs. Pro-Stride highly concentrates these inhibitors and when injected back into the joint, helps to reduce pain and protect the cartilage.

Pro-Stride is a form of "stall side" regenerative medicine. This means that we are able to take blood from the horse and concentrate healing cytokines in approximately 30 minutes. Unlike steroid injections, there are no known long-term risks of Pro-Stride injections into the joint.

Pro-Stride is a great option for:

Young performance horses with inflamed or sore joints. Pro-Stride will help protect the joints from future arthritis without the use of steroids
Older horses that may be high risk due to metabolic diseases (such as Cushing’s or Equine Metabolic Syndrome). Pro-Stride is made from the horse’s own blood so there are no systemic effects as can be seen with steroids.
Actively competing horses as there is no withdrawal time for USEF and FEI competition*

When it comes to joint injections, deciding what medication, dose, and frequency depends on a number of criteria. This includes degree of lameness, the severity of the condition of the joint, the veterinarian’s preferences and economics. So we always start with a lameness exam and tailor treatment to the individual horse.