Elevating Equine Therapy with Pegasus Orthobiologics

Comparing Steroids and Orthobiologics
Historically, veterinarians have managed equine lameness by injecting steroids into joints and soft tissues to provide quick pain relief. Repeated steroid use, however, poses significant long-term risks: it can impair cartilage and subchondral bone healing, weakening the very structures it aims to support. Steroids merely mask pain without addressing underlying joint degeneration. Consequently, while steroids may improve clinical symptoms temporarily, they can obscure ongoing musculoskeletal issues, giving the false impression of recovery. This pain-masking effect can lead to overuse of the affected joints, potentially worsening injuries and accelerating degenerative conditions. For horses in demanding disciplines, this can result in chronic lameness or even premature retirement, making it clear that steroid treatments are an unsustainable solution for equine athletes and their caretakers.

In the pursuit of advancing equine health and longevity, the veterinary community has been transitioning away from steroid use toward more sustainable treatments like orthobiologics. Among these, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a popular option. PRP treatments involve injecting concentrated platelets into horses' joints and soft tissues to promote healing and reduce inflammation. The platelets release growth factors that initiate the healing process, attract stem cells, stimulate connective tissue growth, and foster the development of new blood vessels to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the injury site. Unlike steroids, which merely mask pain without addressing underlying issues, PRP aims to heal the joint itself, offering a safer and more sustainable long-term approach.

Advancing Orthobiologics
Although PRP has become popular in the showjumping and dressage communities, its efficacy varies significantly due to a lack of standardization—specifically in platelet concentration. As a result, the quality and potency of PRP can differ greatly from one treatment to another. Veterinarians face challenges in predicting outcomes, and horses may not receive the full therapeutic benefits, leading to suboptimal healing and prolonged recovery times. Pegasus Orthobiologics addresses the critical problem of inconsistent and low-efficacy PRP by processing blood samples with a method that standardizes the platelet concentrations and guarantees extremely low red and white blood cell counts. Our groundbreaking technology also allows us to tailor the platelet concentration to the specific joint being treated. Such standardization transforms what can be a hit-or-miss therapy into a consistency effective and standardized treatment.

We are driven by a profound respect for our equine partners and a dedication to their long-term health. Our commitment to advancing equine welfare is at the heart of everything we do. Beyond developing innovative PRP solutions, we actively engage in continuous research and development to pioneer new and improved treatment methodologies. By collaborating with leading veterinarians and equine health experts, we strive to set new benchmarks in equine therapy and elevate the standards of care for all horses.