Alpha 2 injection experiences?

[Bobthecob15]

Has anyone first had experience of Alpha 2 treatment for horses hock arthritis? Been offered either steroid, Arthramid or Alpha 2 injections. I appreciate Alpha 2 is very new…we have insurance just weighing up which will be best.

My daughters Welsh D mare who we really only use for pony club, hacking etc and she does jump 60-70cm but not super competitive! I’m thinking Arthramid based on what we do etc but interested to hear any experiences of the Alpha 2.

Thanks

 

[Fieldlife]

Has anyone first had experience of Alpha 2 treatment for horses hock arthritis? Been offered either steroid, Arthramid or Alpha 2 injections. I appreciate Alpha 2 is very new…we have insurance just weighing up which will be best.

My daughters Welsh D mare who we really only use for pony club, hacking etc and she does jump 60-70cm but not super competitive! I’m thinking Arthramid based on what we do etc but interested to hear any experiences of the Alpha 2.

Thanks

I would ask your vets for a cost, likely durability and likely effectiveness (for your horse) and list of pros and cons of each. (As well as reading feedback on here).

 

[spotty_pony2]

I’ve never heard of alpha 2, how does that work?

 

[Bobthecob15]

It’s very new, basically they take a blood sample from the horse, do something with it and extract plasma then inject it back into the horse for therapeutic use, meant to slow the progression of OA

Alpha-2 EQ - Gibbs Marsh Equine Vets in Dorset

www.gibbsmarshequine.co.uk

There isn’t a lot of research on it, it’s less risky than pure steroids I think re laminitis. It costs about £1000 for a years use…I think I’ll probably just start with the Arthramid this time and see how it goes!

 

[gunnergundog]

What’s the difference between that and IRAP? Have used IRAP into stifles - unsuccessfully I hasten to add. https://www.xlvets.co.uk/sites/default/files/press-article-files/IRAP.pdf

 

[Bobthecob15]

What’s the difference between that and IRAP? Have used IRAP into stifles - unsuccessfully I hasten to add. https://www.xlvets.co.uk/sites/default/files/press-article-files/IRAP.pdf

I think it’s the same thing!! Spoke to my physio who basically said the evidence for it is not really there yet as it’s so new and no long term studies etc…

Think I’ll start with Arthramid and see how we go x

 

[nutjob]

I think it’s the same thing!

Both are from the horse's own blood, like PRP but are not the same. IRAP has been around for about 20 years now. I know someone who had it injected into the foot for something but it was not effective. I haven't heard of anyone using it recently so maybe it's not as good as it was first hoped.

I've been advised to start with arthramid on my horse who was diagnosed with mild arthritis in his fetlock last week and to move onto steroids if that doesn't work. Neither my own vet or the vet who did the mri have mentioned any of the blood derived treatments.

 

[lme]

I’ve used Alpha 2 successfully for other things but it was not suggested that I use it instead of Arthramid for hocks. I wouldn’t choose to use steroids for hocks as I have found Arthramid works really well.

 

[Zoeypxo]

I highly recommend arthramid for hocks

 

[Irishcob6]

I’ve used it successfully for minor hock niggles however it doesn’t last as long as steroids

 

[Bobthecob15]

Great thanks everyone we’ve opted to try the Arthramid for her hocks and she’s having them done on Monday x

 

[spotty_pony2]

It’s very new, basically they take a blood sample from the horse, do something with it and extract plasma then inject it back into the horse for therapeutic use, meant to slow the progression of OA

Alpha-2 EQ - Gibbs Marsh Equine Vets in Dorset

www.gibbsmarshequine.co.uk

There isn’t a lot of research on it, it’s less risky than pure steroids I think re laminitis. It costs about £1000 for a years use…I think I’ll probably just start with the Arthramid this time and see how it goes!

Interesting! I had arthramid for a coffin joint last year for the first time and so far I am impressed. Much safer than steroids too.

 

[Hallo2012]

didnt work for mine (stifles) i would do arthramid if possible

 

[Bobthecob15]

didnt work for mine (stifles) i would do arthramid if possible

Thank you, booked for Monday for Arthramid x