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Top 5 Growth Factor & Cytokine Concentrates for Equine First Aid in Canada — 2025 Clinician Guide to Pro-Stride APS, IRAP II, Restigen PRP, Platelet Rich Plasma Plus by Pall V-Pets, Arthrex ACP

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

Concentrated formulations of recombinant or autologous growth factors and cytokines designed to accelerate tissue repair and modulate inflammation in acute equine injuries are becoming central to modern first-aid and early intervention protocols. These products target delivery to joints and soft tissue with validated potency and stability for clinical use, offering veterinarians and trainers faster recovery windows, reduced inflammation, and options for both point-of-care and laboratory-validated administration. In Canada, buyer preferences prioritize safety (autologous where possible), documented stability and potency, ease of use in field conditions, regulatory compliance, and demonstrable clinical outcomes. Owners and clinicians are drawn to solutions that minimize downtime for performance and pleasure horses, provide transparent handling and storage guidance, and integrate with rehabilitation protocols backed by peer-reviewed evidence and real-world clinic experience.

Quick Menu

1. Best Anti-inflammatory APS System

2. Best Cytokine-focused Therapy

3. Best PRP for Quick First Aid

4. Best Lab-grade PRP Kit

5. Best Widely Used ACP System

1
BEST ANTI-INFLAMMATORY APS SYSTEM

Pro-Stride APS

Pro-Stride APS

Pro-Stride APS earns a top position for equine first-aid use because its APS (autologous protein solution) formulation emphasizes concentrated anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in a single, point-of-care kit that speeds on-farm treatment. Compared with centrifuge-dependent PRP kits in this list, Pro-Stride targets a higher ratio of anti-catabolic mediators which can reduce follow-up interventions and overall cost per case for acute joint or soft-tissue flare-ups. Its technical advantage is a streamlined, clinic-friendly workflow that balances potency with affordability for routine stable-side care.

4.3
★★★★☆
  • Anti-inflammatory boost

  • Pain relief focus — neigh!

  • Anti-inflammatory boost

  • Pain relief focus — neigh!

Review Summary

86%

"Users commonly report meaningful reductions in joint pain and inflammation with Pro-Stride APS and appreciate the cytokine- and growth-factor–rich output; some note variability in duration of effect and that the system is relatively costly. Overall veterinarians find it a reliable autologous option for acute and subacute equine joint issues."

  • Quick stall-side use

  • Autologous protein solution enriched in anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors for equine joint and soft-tissue first aid.

  • Quick stall-side use

  • Autologous protein solution enriched in anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors for equine joint and soft-tissue first aid.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Pro-Stride APS earns a top position for equine first-aid use because its APS (autologous protein solution) formulation emphasizes concentrated anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in a single, point-of-care kit that speeds on-farm treatment. Compared with centrifuge-dependent PRP kits in this list, Pro-Stride targets a higher ratio of anti-catabolic mediators which can reduce follow-up interventions and overall cost per case for acute joint or soft-tissue flare-ups. Its technical advantage is a streamlined, clinic-friendly workflow that balances potency with affordability for routine stable-side care.

  • Anti-inflammatory boost

  • Pain relief focus — neigh!

  • Quick stall-side use

  • Autologous protein solution enriched in anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors for equine joint and soft-tissue first aid.

  • Clinic-level system with single-use processing kits to enable multiple onsite treatments.

  • Anti-inflammatory boost

  • Pain relief focus — neigh!

  • Quick stall-side use

  • Autologous protein solution enriched in anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors for equine joint and soft-tissue first aid.

  • Clinic-level system with single-use processing kits to enable multiple onsite treatments.

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$2,500-6,000 CAD

2
BEST CYTOKINE-FOCUSED THERAPY

IRAP II System

IRAP II System

IRAP II System is listed as a market leader for its unique IL-1 receptor antagonist–rich autologous serum approach, which focuses on modulating cytokine-driven inflammation in acute equine joint and tendon injuries. Unlike platelet-centric systems here, IRAP II provides a protein-solution profile specifically tuned to block pro-inflammatory signaling, often reducing the need for pharmaceuticals and offering a distinct therapeutic pathway that can complement or substitute PRP in severe inflammatory presentations. While typically more procedure- and training-intensive than simple PRP kits, its targeted mechanism can justify higher per-treatment costs in cases where cytokine blockade is prioritized.

3.9
★★★☆☆
  • Cytokine-rich serum

  • Cartilage protection — cultured care

  • Cytokine-rich serum

  • Cartilage protection — cultured care

Review Summary

78%

"Owners and clinicians praise IRAP II for improving comfort and mobility in osteoarthritic horses, though responses can be variable in advanced disease and the processing time and logistics are frequently mentioned as drawbacks. Many report good short-to-medium term results when protocols are followed carefully."

  • Targeted joint therapy

  • Produces an IL-1 receptor antagonist–rich autologous cytokine concentrate specifically used for equine joint inflammation.

  • Targeted joint therapy

  • Produces an IL-1 receptor antagonist–rich autologous cytokine concentrate specifically used for equine joint inflammation.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Skill Development & Mastery

IRAP II System is listed as a market leader for its unique IL-1 receptor antagonist–rich autologous serum approach, which focuses on modulating cytokine-driven inflammation in acute equine joint and tendon injuries. Unlike platelet-centric systems here, IRAP II provides a protein-solution profile specifically tuned to block pro-inflammatory signaling, often reducing the need for pharmaceuticals and offering a distinct therapeutic pathway that can complement or substitute PRP in severe inflammatory presentations. While typically more procedure- and training-intensive than simple PRP kits, its targeted mechanism can justify higher per-treatment costs in cases where cytokine blockade is prioritized.

  • Cytokine-rich serum

  • Cartilage protection — cultured care

  • Targeted joint therapy

  • Produces an IL-1 receptor antagonist–rich autologous cytokine concentrate specifically used for equine joint inflammation.

  • Protocol includes blood conditioning/incubation steps to yield targeted anti-inflammatory cytokines for OA and acute joint flare management.

  • Cytokine-rich serum

  • Cartilage protection — cultured care

  • Targeted joint therapy

  • Produces an IL-1 receptor antagonist–rich autologous cytokine concentrate specifically used for equine joint inflammation.

  • Protocol includes blood conditioning/incubation steps to yield targeted anti-inflammatory cytokines for OA and acute joint flare management.

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$1,800-4,500 CAD

3
BEST PRP FOR QUICK FIRST AID

Restigen PRP

Restigen PRP

Restigen PRP is recognized for delivering a robust, platelet-enriched concentrate optimized for rapid tissue repair and practical use in equine first-aid scenarios, offering a mid-range cost profile that makes it accessible for many stables. Technically, it emphasizes platelet-derived growth factors over cytokine modulation, giving predictable pro-regenerative signaling that is often preferred for acute tendon and soft-tissue trauma compared with the anti-inflammatory focus of APS or IRAP. Its financial advantage is competitive pricing combined with reliable concentration metrics, making it a go-to choice for veterinarians seeking balance between efficacy and cost.

3.7
★★★☆☆
  • Platelet power boost

  • Tendon repair aid — bounce back

  • Platelet power boost

  • Tendon repair aid — bounce back

Review Summary

74%

"Restigen PRP is reported as effective by many users for tendon and soft-tissue healing, but reviews note variability in platelet concentrations and mixed outcomes in chronic or severe lesions. Smaller user base means some clinicians see inconsistent reproducibility compared with larger commercial systems."

  • Easy draw protocol

  • Single-use PRP kit that concentrates platelets and growth factors for rapid application to equine wounds and soft-tissue injuries.

  • Easy draw protocol

  • Single-use PRP kit that concentrates platelets and growth factors for rapid application to equine wounds and soft-tissue injuries.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Restigen PRP is recognized for delivering a robust, platelet-enriched concentrate optimized for rapid tissue repair and practical use in equine first-aid scenarios, offering a mid-range cost profile that makes it accessible for many stables. Technically, it emphasizes platelet-derived growth factors over cytokine modulation, giving predictable pro-regenerative signaling that is often preferred for acute tendon and soft-tissue trauma compared with the anti-inflammatory focus of APS or IRAP. Its financial advantage is competitive pricing combined with reliable concentration metrics, making it a go-to choice for veterinarians seeking balance between efficacy and cost.

  • Platelet power boost

  • Tendon repair aid — bounce back

  • Easy draw protocol

  • Single-use PRP kit that concentrates platelets and growth factors for rapid application to equine wounds and soft-tissue injuries.

  • Simple centrifugation workflow designed for reliable yields at the point of care in ambulatory equine practice.

  • Platelet power boost

  • Tendon repair aid — bounce back

  • Easy draw protocol

  • Single-use PRP kit that concentrates platelets and growth factors for rapid application to equine wounds and soft-tissue injuries.

  • Simple centrifugation workflow designed for reliable yields at the point of care in ambulatory equine practice.

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$150-450 CAD

4
BEST LAB-GRADE PRP KIT

Platelet Rich Plasma Plus by Pall V-Pets

Platelet Rich Plasma Plus by Pall V-Pets

Platelet Rich Plasma Plus from Pall V-Pets stands out for laboratory-calibrated filtration technology and consistent platelet yields, delivering a scalable, quality-controlled PRP product useful for frontline equine emergency care. Compared with simpler centrifuge kits on this list, Pall's product emphasizes reproducibility and sterility controls that reduce variability and potential complication rates, which can lower indirect costs from retreatments. Its market-leading advantage is commercial-grade manufacturing and regulatory experience, appealing to practices that prioritize traceability and batch consistency for first-aid applications.

4.1
★★★★☆
  • High-purity PRP

  • Reduced contaminants — lab-grade

  • High-purity PRP

  • Reduced contaminants — lab-grade

Review Summary

82%

"Platelet Rich Plasma Plus by Pall V-Pets is widely commended for consistent, sterile processing and reproducible platelet yields, with clinicians reporting reliable improvements in healing; some buyers comment on higher kit cost. Overall it’s considered a high-quality, dependable PRP product for equine use."

  • Fast processing time

  • Veterinary-grade PRP separation kit delivering consistent platelet enrichment and growth factor concentrations for equine use.

  • Fast processing time

  • Veterinary-grade PRP separation kit delivering consistent platelet enrichment and growth factor concentrations for equine use.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Platelet Rich Plasma Plus from Pall V-Pets stands out for laboratory-calibrated filtration technology and consistent platelet yields, delivering a scalable, quality-controlled PRP product useful for frontline equine emergency care. Compared with simpler centrifuge kits on this list, Pall's product emphasizes reproducibility and sterility controls that reduce variability and potential complication rates, which can lower indirect costs from retreatments. Its market-leading advantage is commercial-grade manufacturing and regulatory experience, appealing to practices that prioritize traceability and batch consistency for first-aid applications.

  • High-purity PRP

  • Reduced contaminants — lab-grade

  • Fast processing time

  • Veterinary-grade PRP separation kit delivering consistent platelet enrichment and growth factor concentrations for equine use.

  • Engineered filtration/centrifugation to optimize platelet yield while minimizing red blood cell contamination.

  • High-purity PRP

  • Reduced contaminants — lab-grade

  • Fast processing time

  • Veterinary-grade PRP separation kit delivering consistent platelet enrichment and growth factor concentrations for equine use.

  • Engineered filtration/centrifugation to optimize platelet yield while minimizing red blood cell contamination.

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$200-500 CAD

5
BEST WIDELY USED ACP SYSTEM

Arthrex ACP

Arthrex ACP

Arthrex ACP is a widely adopted, user-friendly autologous conditioned plasma system valued in equine first aid for its quick bedside preparation and predictable growth factor profile that supports early-stage healing. Compared with more specialized cytokine-targeting systems like IRAP II, ACP offers a lower-cost, lower-complexity option that still delivers clinically meaningful platelet and plasma-derived growth factors for soft-tissue and superficial joint care. Its strength lies in broad availability, clear procedural protocols, and strong distributor support that together reduce the learning curve and per-treatment overhead for busy equine clinics.

4.2
★★★★☆
  • Gentle PRP mix

  • Soft-tissue healing — pro-touch

  • Gentle PRP mix

  • Soft-tissue healing — pro-touch

Review Summary

84%

"Arthrex ACP is praised for its simplicity, predictable platelet concentrates, and consistent clinical benefits in lameness and tendon cases, though a minority note it provides less cytokine enrichment than some specialized systems. It’s a market-leading, user-friendly option with a strong track record in practice."

  • Simple clinic workflow

  • Double-syringe autologous conditioned plasma system widely used in equine first-aid for easy bedside platelet concentration.

  • Simple clinic workflow

  • Double-syringe autologous conditioned plasma system widely used in equine first-aid for easy bedside platelet concentration.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Arthrex ACP is a widely adopted, user-friendly autologous conditioned plasma system valued in equine first aid for its quick bedside preparation and predictable growth factor profile that supports early-stage healing. Compared with more specialized cytokine-targeting systems like IRAP II, ACP offers a lower-cost, lower-complexity option that still delivers clinically meaningful platelet and plasma-derived growth factors for soft-tissue and superficial joint care. Its strength lies in broad availability, clear procedural protocols, and strong distributor support that together reduce the learning curve and per-treatment overhead for busy equine clinics.

  • Gentle PRP mix

  • Soft-tissue healing — pro-touch

  • Simple clinic workflow

  • Double-syringe autologous conditioned plasma system widely used in equine first-aid for easy bedside platelet concentration.

  • Produces a low-leukocyte PRP profile that lowers inflammatory load while preserving growth factors beneficial for healing.

  • Gentle PRP mix

  • Soft-tissue healing — pro-touch

  • Simple clinic workflow

  • Double-syringe autologous conditioned plasma system widely used in equine first-aid for easy bedside platelet concentration.

  • Produces a low-leukocyte PRP profile that lowers inflammatory load while preserving growth factors beneficial for healing.

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$150-400 CAD

What the Research Says — Beginner-Friendly Summary

A growing body of clinical reports, case series, and controlled trials supports the biologic rationale and therapeutic benefits of growth factor and cytokine concentrates for equine soft-tissue and joint injuries. Evidence indicates these concentrates can enhance tissue repair pathways, reduce pro-inflammatory signaling, and improve subjective and objective functional outcomes when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Outcomes vary by product type (autologous PRP or APS, conditioned serum like IRAP, and laboratory-produced recombinant formulations), injury chronicity, and application technique. Safety profiles are generally favorable when proper preparation and aseptic technique are used; product validation for potency and stability improves predictability of clinical response.

Mechanism: Concentrates deliver higher local levels of growth factors (eg, PDGF, TGF-beta) and modulatory cytokines to accelerate cell recruitment, matrix synthesis, and angiogenesis while downregulating excessive inflammation.

Product types: Autologous options (PRP, APS, IRAP) minimize immune risk and are popular in field settings; recombinant or lab-produced cytokine concentrates offer standardized dosing and longer shelf life.

Clinical evidence: Peer-reviewed case series and controlled trials report accelerated tendon and ligament healing, reduced joint inflammation, and improved lameness scores when biologics are used alongside rehabilitation.

Safety and handling: Studies emphasize the importance of validated potency, sterility, and correct storage; point-of-care systems reduce preparation variability but require operator training.

Practical considerations: Choice depends on injury type, timing (acute vs chronic), availability of on-site processing, cost, and regulatory status in Canada.

In Canada for 2025, growth factor and cytokine concentrates like Pro-Stride APS, IRAP II System, Restigen PRP, Platelet Rich Plasma Plus by Pall V-Pets, and Arthrex ACP represent the most commonly used options for equine first aid and early intervention. Each product has strengths—IRAP II System and Pro-Stride APS are chosen for anti-inflammatory modulation, PRP systems such as Restigen PRP and Arthrex ACP are favored for easy point-of-care platelet delivery, and Platelet Rich Plasma Plus by Pall V-Pets offers a lab-validated approach to PRP concentration. For clinics seeking a balanced anti-inflammatory and regenerative approach with growing clinical adoption and practical field use, Pro-Stride APS is often the best choice among these five, though the ideal option depends on your case, workflow, and budget. We hope you found what you were looking for; you can refine or expand your search using the site search to compare indications, costs, and local availability.

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