Regenerative medicine is one of the fastest growing areas in veterinary care, and dog owners are hearing more about options like amniotic tissue allografts. AlphaFlo® is one of these products. If you have seen the name at your veterinary clinic or come across it while looking for ways to support an aging or injured dog, this guide answers the questions people ask most. It also shares what practicing veterinarians told us about why they are using AlphaFlo® and where it fits in their work.
What is AlphaFlo®?
AlphaFlo® is a canine amniotic tissue allograft made for dogs. It comes from canine amnion, a tissue associated with the placenta that surrounds the puppy during pregnancy. After processing and manufacturing, the product is stored frozen and stays frozen until a veterinarian is ready to use it. In plain terms, it is a ready-to-use product intended to supplement and protect canine tissue. It contains naturally occurring biological components, including proteins and signaling molecules that have been studied in human, equine, and now canine medicine. AlphaFlo® is intended for veterinary use by licensed professionals who determine whether it is appropriate for an individual patient.
Why are veterinarians trying AlphaFlo®?
Veterinarians continually evaluate new tools and approaches to help their patients. Some are searching for an alternative to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cells. Others first learn about the product at a conference, during a webinar, or hear about it from a colleague.
Erica Dunphy, DVM, CVMMP, CVA, CCRP came to it while looking for something better than what she had. In her words:
“Agility client brought up the product to me and I was underwhelmed with PRP for OA and tendinopathy management, tendon/ligament injuries, wound management.”
For Virginia Nick, DVM, it started with “a wound case.” Lynn Wimmer, DVM, first “met at a conference.” And Todd Murphy, DVM, CCRP, was drawn in through surgery: “I was interested in regenerative medicine for promotion of healing in my orthopedic surgeries, specifically TPLOs.”
How are veterinarians incorporating AlphaFlo® into their practice?
When asked where AlphaFlo® fits into daily practice, the answers pointed to a few clear themes. Veterinarians have reported incorporating it into care plans for a variety of clinical situations, including orthopedic cases, soft-tissue cases, surgical applications, and other circumstances where they believe AlphaFlo® may be appropriate.
These reflect how individual veterinarians have chosen to use the product in their own practices. They are not approved indications or guaranteed outcomes. Your own veterinarian is the right person to judge whether AlphaFlo® suits a specific case.
What is AlphaFlo® Approved For?
Regulatory requirements for animal tissue products depend on factors such as labeling and intended use. AlphaFlo® is marketed as a canine tissue allograft product and not a drug product. It is intended to supplement and protect tissue without claims for any specific clinical use or therapeutic effect and is available for veterinary use only.
Usage decisions should always be made by a licensed veterinarian based on the needs of the individual animal.
How can I get AlphaFlo® for my dog?
AlphaFlo® is not available for direct purchase by pet owners. It is provided through licensed veterinarians who determine whether it may be appropriate for your dog. If you think your dog might benefit, the best step is to talk with your veterinarian and ask whether it makes sense for your situation.
Veterinarians who want to learn more can contact the AlphaFlo® team or ask about a Lunch and Learn session for their practice.
AlphaFlo® is available only by prescription through a licensed veterinarian. As with any allograft, results are not guaranteed and adverse reactions are possible. The comments above reflect individual veterinary experiences.