Can PRP Therapy Give Senior Dogs Their Youth Back? What to Expect from Platelet-Rich Plasma

Watching an older dog slow down is hard. Stiff walks, shorter play sessions, and trouble with stairs are all reminders that bodies age, even when spirits stay young. Regenerative options such as platelet-rich plasma, often called PRP, are being offered more and more in veterinary clinics as a way to help painful joints and injuries in senior dogs.

PRP is promising, but it is not magic and it is not a cure for aging. In this guide, we will walk through what PRP actually is, what the research shows so far, what a typical treatment visit looks like, and the questions to ask your veterinarian before deciding if it is right for your dog.

Nothing here replaces individual medical advice. Always talk with your dog’s veterinarian or a board-certified specialist before choosing PRP or any regenerative therapy.

What Is PRP Therapy For Dogs?

Platelet-rich plasma is a concentrated portion of a dog’s own blood.

In simple terms:

1. The veterinarian draws a small amount of your dog’s blood.
2. The blood is spun in a special centrifuge.
3. This separates it into layers, one of which is plasma that contains a high concentration of platelets.
4. That platelet-rich fraction is collected and injected into the area your vet wants to treat, such as an arthritic hip, elbow, or knee, or sometimes a tendon, ligament, or wound.

Platelets are best known for helping blood clot. They also carry many signaling proteins called growth factors, which can:

• Modulate inflammation
• Support tissue repair
• Influence pain pathways

In veterinary medicine, PRP is being used mainly for:

• Osteoarthritis in joints such as hips, knees (stifles), shoulders, and elbows
• Tendon and ligament injuries (for example some partial cruciate or Achilles injuries)
• Certain wounds, corneal ulcers, and dental or bone healing in selected cases

PRP is usually “autologous,” which means the plasma comes from the same dog that receives it. This is different from “allogeneic” PRP, which is made from donor dogs and used in some research and specialty products.

Why Senior Dogs Are Common Candidates

Osteoarthritis is extremely common in older dogs. Estimates suggest that up to 20 percent of dogs overall, and roughly half of dogs over 10 years of age, live with some degree of arthritis.

Senior dogs may be considered for PRP when:

• They have diagnosed osteoarthritis with pain and limited mobility.
• Standard medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help, but not enough.
• They cannot tolerate higher doses or long-term use of certain pain medications because of kidney, liver, or gastrointestinal concerns.
• Other supportive measures, such as weight control, joint supplements, and physical therapy, are already in place but pain is still affecting quality of life.

In some cases, PRP is combined with other treatments, such as laser therapy (photobiomodulation) or rehabilitation exercises, in an effort to maximize benefit.

Even if your dog sounds like a good candidate on paper, your veterinarian needs to review medical history, current medications, and bloodwork before deciding whether PRP is appropriate.

What The Research Actually Shows (And Where It Is Still Thin)

PRP is one of the best studied regenerative therapies in veterinary medicine, but “best studied” does not mean “fully proven.” Several key points emerge from the current literature:

Evidence of benefit in osteoarthritis

• A study in working police dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis found that intra-articular PRP injections improved lameness and force-plate measurements over a six month follow up, compared with baseline.
• Another small clinical study using donor (allogeneic) PRP for dogs with osteoarthritis that had not responded to conventional therapy reported improvements in pain scores and joint function.
• A critically appraised topic reviewing several trials concluded that PRP can reduce pain and lameness in dogs with osteoarthritis, although the overall strength of evidence is moderate and protocols differ between studies.
• A recent narrative review in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association described PRP as a commonly used orthobiologic with evidence of benefit for osteoarthritis, soft tissue wounds, tendinopathies, periodontitis, and fracture repair. However, it also highlighted important variability in how PRP is prepared and delivered.

Combination therapies

A preliminary long-term study that combined PRP injections with photobiomodulation (a form of therapeutic laser) in dogs with osteoarthritis found improved clinical outcomes compared with either therapy alone. This is encouraging, but it was still a relatively small study and more research is needed before we can say exactly how much each piece contributes.

Major limitations you should know about

Current research has several limits:

• Small sample sizes. Many studies involve tens of dogs rather than hundreds.
• Short to moderate follow up. Improvements are often tracked for 12 weeks to 6 months, not many years.
• Different PRP products and preparation methods. Platelet concentration, white blood cell content, activation methods, and injection schedules vary widely, which makes it hard to compare results. A recent paper on minimum reporting guidelines for PRP in veterinary medicine emphasizes how much this variability can affect outcomes.
• Few head-to-head comparisons. There are limited studies that directly compare PRP to other intra-articular treatments in dogs, such as hyaluronic acid or certain classes of biologics.

Because of these limitations, PRP should be viewed as a potentially helpful tool within a broader pain management plan, not as a guaranteed way to “turn back the clock” on aging joints.

Your veterinarian, ideally with access to current studies and continuing education on orthobiologics, is in the best position to interpret this evolving research for your individual dog.

Step-By-Step: What A Typical PRP Visit Looks Like

Protocols differ between clinics, but most senior dogs go through a similar series of steps.

1. Pre-treatment assessment

Before booking PRP, the veterinarian usually:

• Reviews your dog’s medical history and medications.
• Confirms the diagnosis of osteoarthritis or another target condition, often with a physical exam and radiographs (X-rays).
• Runs bloodwork to check organ function, especially if sedation or anesthesia will be used.

This is also when you talk through realistic goals. For example, “I want my dog to be able to manage a 10 minute walk twice a day without obvious pain” is more realistic than “I want my 13 year old Lab to hike mountains again.”

2. Sedation and blood collection

For most dogs, mild sedation makes the process smoother and less stressful.

• A small intravenous catheter may be placed.
• The vet draws a calculated amount of blood, often in the range of 10 to 60 milliliters, depending on your dog’s size and the system the clinic uses.(Vca)

3. Preparing the PRP

The collected blood is processed in the clinic:

• The sample is placed into a special kit or tubes and spun in a centrifuge.
• Centrifugation separates the blood into layers, allowing the platelet-rich fraction to be collected.
• The final volume of PRP is usually a few milliliters per joint or site.

Most systems can be prepared relatively quickly, which lets the vet draw the blood and inject the PRP during the same visit.

4. Injection into the target area

For osteoarthritis, PRP is typically injected directly into the joint:

• The skin is clipped and cleaned thoroughly.
• Local anesthetic, sedation, and sometimes general anesthesia are used, depending on the joint and the dog.
• The veterinarian introduces a sterile needle into the joint space and slowly injects the PRP.

For tendon, ligament, or wound treatments, the technique is adjusted to those tissues. Ultrasound guidance may be used in some clinics to improve accuracy.

5. Recovery and going home

After the procedure:

• Dogs are monitored while they wake up from sedation.
• You receive instructions on rest, leash walks, and when to resume activities.
• Pain relief medications may be prescribed for the first few days, especially if a reactive flare is expected.

Always clarify post-procedure rules with your veterinarian, and call them if your dog seems unusually uncomfortable or unwell.

What Improvement Might Look Like (And How Long It Can Last)

Owners are often most interested in two questions: “When will I see a difference?” and “How long will it last?”

Because of the variability between dogs and protocols, answers are approximate.

From published studies and clinical reports:

• Some dogs show subtle improvement within 1 to 2 weeks after injection.
• Many studies report the most noticeable gains between about 4 and 8 weeks.
• Benefits can last several months in responsive dogs, often in the range of 3 to 6 months, and sometimes longer, although data beyond one year are limited.

Real life signs you might notice include:

• Easier rising from lying or sitting.
• Less stiffness after rest.
• Longer, more comfortable walks.
• Reduced limping after exercise.
• Improved willingness to climb stairs or get into the car.

It is important to understand that not all dogs respond. Some show little or no improvement. Your vet will usually schedule rechecks to assess mobility and pain and to decide whether additional injections might be helpful.

Side Effects And Risks

In general, PRP is considered relatively safe, particularly when autologous (using the dog’s own blood). Safety studies and clinical experience suggest that serious complications are uncommon.

Potential issues include:

• Injection site discomfort or flare. Mild worsening of lameness or soreness for a few days can occur as the joint or tissue reacts to the injection.
• Infection. Any time a joint is injected, there is a small risk of introducing bacteria, even with good sterile technique. This appears rare in reported PRP cases but cannot be ruled out.
• Bleeding or bruising at the blood draw site. Usually minor.
• Sedation or anesthesia risks. Particularly relevant for senior dogs with heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork and careful drug selection help reduce this risk.

Because PRP is derived from blood, it is generally avoided in dogs with:

• Known bleeding or clotting disorders.
• Severe uncontrolled systemic illness.
• Certain immune-mediated conditions or cancers, depending on veterinary judgment.

If your dog has a history of cancer, autoimmune disease, or serious organ disease, it is crucial to have a detailed discussion with your veterinarian or an internal medicine specialist before pursuing PRP.

Which Senior Dogs Might Not Be Good Candidates?

PRP is not right for every older dog. Situations where PRP might be less helpful or inappropriate include:

• End-stage osteoarthritis where the joint is extremely deformed and range of motion is very limited. PRP may not overcome the mechanical damage.
• Severe cognitive dysfunction or frailty where sedation and handling would be particularly stressful.
• Uncontrolled systemic disease, such as advanced heart failure, serious arrhythmias, or severe kidney or liver disease, where sedation risks outweigh potential benefits.
• Active infection, especially in or near the joint that would be injected.

In these cases, your veterinarian may focus on other pain management options, environmental modification, and comfort-centered care.

PRP As Part Of A Bigger Pain Management Plan

No single treatment can fully “reverse” arthritis. The most successful senior dog plans are multimodal, which means they combine several strategies, often including:

• Weight management and body condition control.
• Daily tailored exercise and physical rehabilitation.
• Environmental changes such as non-slip rugs, ramps, and raised dishes.
• Medications such as NSAIDs, gabapentin, amantadine, or others, as appropriate.
• Joint supplements and nutraceuticals where evidence and safety support their use.
• Other injectables, for example certain disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs or hyaluronic acid products, depending on your region and your vet’s training.

PRP, when used, sits within this broader framework. In some dogs, it allows a reduction in other medications. In others, it simply adds another layer of pain relief.

Cost, Number Of Treatments, And Practical Details

How many treatments?

Protocols vary, but common patterns include:

• A single intra-articular injection, followed by evaluation.
• A series of two or three injections, spaced a few weeks apart, for more severe cases or for combination protocols with physical rehabilitation.

Your vet will base the schedule on your dog’s response, overall health, and financial considerations.

Cost range

Pricing depends heavily on region, clinic type, and how many joints are treated. Published fee examples from general practices suggest:

• Roughly 300 to 700 USD for one PRP treatment session, with variations depending on the number of sites injected.

Specialty hospitals or advanced rehabilitation centers may charge more. It is always reasonable to ask for an itemized estimate before committing.

Activity and aftercare

After PRP:

• Strict rest is usually recommended for a few days, with controlled leash walks for bathroom breaks only.
• Gradual return to normal walks is typically allowed over one to two weeks, unless your vet advises differently.
• High-impact activities such as ball chasing or rough play are often limited for a longer period, especially if tendons or ligaments are involved.

Follow-up visits help your vet adjust medications, exercise, and any rehabilitation program based on how your dog is responding.

Questions To Ask Your Veterinarian Before Choosing PRP

If you are considering PRP for your senior dog, you might bring this list to your appointment:

1. What specific problem are we treating with PRP in my dog? (For example, right hip osteoarthritis, partial cruciate injury, or another condition.)
2. What type of PRP system do you use, and how many platelet concentrations does it achieve?
3. How many PRP procedures has this clinic performed, and what results have you seen in similar cases?
4. How many injections do you recommend, and on what schedule?
5. What level of improvement would you consider a realistic goal for my dog?
6. What are the main risks for my dog, given age and other health issues?
7. How will this integrate with my dog’s current medications and supplements?
8. What is the full cost estimate, including sedation, radiographs if needed, bloodwork, and follow-up?

If you feel unsure, it is reasonable to ask for a second opinion from a board-certified veterinary sports medicine, rehabilitation, or surgery specialist.

So, Can PRP Give Senior Dogs Their “Youth” Back?

PRP cannot make an arthritic 12 year old dog into a pain-free puppy again. Aging joints and tissues have real structural changes that no single injection can erase.

What PRP can sometimes do is:

• Decrease pain in a damaged joint.
• Improve mobility and comfort.
• Reduce reliance on some other medications in selected dogs.
• Support healing of certain soft tissue injuries and wounds.

For a subset of senior dogs, this can feel like getting a slice of their youth back, in the form of easier walks, more comfortable rest, and a brighter day-to-day life. For others, the effect is modest or minimal. Because research is still evolving, long-term benefits and ideal protocols are not fully defined.

The bottom line: PRP is a promising, relatively low-risk option that may be worth discussing if your dog’s arthritis or soft tissue pain is limiting quality of life. It should always be part of a thoughtful plan built by your dog’s veterinarian, not a stand-alone miracle fix.

If you are interested in PRP for your own dog, the next best step is to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian, bring your questions, and work together on a plan that honors both the science and your senior dog’s unique personality and needs.

Selected Sources And Further Reading

• American Kennel Club. “Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy For Dogs: Is It Worth Trying PRP?”(American Kennel Club)
• VCA Animal Hospitals. “Platelet Rich Plasma.”(Vca)
• Colbath A, Peralta S, Frye CW. “Platelet-rich plasma as an orthobiologic in veterinary medicine.” JAVMA special issue on PRP and platelet products.(avmajournals.avma.org)
• Jorge et al. “Platelet-rich plasma therapy in dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis.” BMC Veterinary Research 2021.(BioMed Central)
• Harman R, Hale A. “Veterinary Allogeneic Platelet-Rich Plasma Safety Overview.” VetStem white paper.(vetstem.com)
• Caia XL, Zaki S. “The effect of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injection on pain and lameness in dogs with osteoarthritis.” Critically appraised topic, Australian Veterinary Journal.(Wiley Online Library)
• Banu A et al. “Minimum reporting guidelines for platelet-rich plasma in veterinary medicine.” Comparative Clinical Pathology 2025.(SpringerLink)
• AAHA resources on clinical concepts in platelet-rich plasma and pain management.(AAHA)