Regenerative Medicine for Joint Disease in horses
PRP vs ProStride vs IRAP: Understanding Joint Therapy Options for Your Horse
Joint health is essential for keeping horses comfortable, sound, and able to perform at their best—whether they’re competing, trail riding, or simply enjoying retirement. As equine veterinarians on the Mornington Peninsula, we often get asked about the best options for managing joint inflammation and early arthritis. Three regenerative therapies frequently used in modern equine medicine are PRP, ProStride, and IRAP.
While all three use your horse’s own blood to promote healing, they each work in different ways. Let’s break down the differences to help you understand which therapy may be best for your horse.
🔬 What is PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)?
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma, and it’s derived from your horse’s blood. After collection, the blood is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which are rich in growth factors that stimulate tissue healing.
Best for:
Soft tissue injuries (tendons, ligaments)
Early-stage joint inflammation
Supporting recovery from injury or surgery
PRP is often used in younger horses or those showing mild joint changes, as it helps kickstart the natural repair process.
Learn more about regenerative therapies ›
🌀 What is ProStride?
ProStride is a newer therapy that combines the benefits of IRAP and PRP into a single injection. It uses a specialised processing system to concentrate anti-inflammatory proteins (like IL-1 receptor antagonist protein) and regenerative growth factors.
Best for:
Mild to moderate osteoarthritis
Managing joint inflammation and pain
Horses needing both short- and long-term relief
Think of ProStride as a dual-action treatment: it reduces inflammation and promotes healing at the same time.
View our lameness evaluations ›
🧪 What is IRAP?
IRAP (Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein) therapy is designed to target inflammation at its source. It works by blocking interleukin-1 (IL-1), a key chemical involved in the breakdown of cartilage and the progression of arthritis.
Best for:
Chronic joint inflammation
Horses with moderate to advanced arthritis
Long-term joint management without corticosteroids
IRAP is especially useful in joints where repeated steroid injections are no longer ideal or have stopped being effective.
See our full list of equine services ›
Which Joint Therapy is Right for Your Horse?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—each horse is unique. That’s why we take a case-by-case approach when recommending regenerative joint therapies. Your horse’s age, workload, joint health history, and long-term goals all factor into the decision.
At Tweedie & Associates Equine Veterinary Services, we offer diagnostic lameness evaluations, digital imaging, and in-house regenerative therapies tailored to your horse’s individual needs.
📞 Need advice or want to book an assessment?
We’re here to help. Contact us today to discuss whether PRP, ProStride, or IRAP could benefit your horse and keep them feeling their best.