About Prolotherapy for Pets

Prolotherapy is a method of treating a disabled, joint by using injections to strengthen the weld of damaged ligaments and tendons to bone. The injections which are placed in the ligaments, tendons, and joint capsule stimulate the production of new bone and fibrous connective tissue and cause them to thicken. As these structures thickened they make a loose joint more stable and pain and lameness subside. Prolotherapy requires a series of monthly treatments to accomplish its repair, 4 to 5 may be necessary. With some very easy going dogs the procedure may be done with out sedation however most animals must be given at least light sedation for the procedure to be performed. The procedure may be used to treat a severely sprained hock (ankle), torn muscles, ruptured cruciates, hip displasia and arthritis, and degenerative disks.