What are stem cells?
Stem cells, obtained from fat tissue or from bone marrow, are multipotent. This means they can differentiate into a number of different cell types, including tendon, ligament, bone, cartilage and muscle cells. These cells can also stimulate healing and repair of damaged tissues.
What do stem cells do?
After harvesting, the stem cells are sent away to be processed and can then be injected into the affected area. Once in this area the stem cells can differentiate into new tissue cells, so that the injury heals with new tissue cells rather than scar tissue. This should result in a better repair with a lower risk of repeat injury in the future.
Where can stem cells be used?
Stem cells are most commonly used to treat lesions of the digital flexor tendons, where they are injected directly into the affected tendon tissue. They may also be used in some cases of degenerative joint disease and in fracture repair.
What are the potential side-effects of stem cells?
Since the stem cells are from the horse that is to be treated, the risks of side effects are very low. Care is taken both in the collection of the cells and in the processing of the sample to prevent bacterial contamination.
Depending on how and where the stem cells are to be administered there may be some risks - injecting any substance anywhere in a horse carries a risk of secondary infection or inflammatory reaction. Care is taken in preparation and administration of the treatment to reduce this risk as much as possible.
What is the Treatment Protocol?
In the majority of cases only one dose of stem cells is required. Management of the case and return to exercise is dependant on the lesion being treated and will vary form horse to horse.
For further information on stem cell treatment please contact the clinic to speak to any of the vets or visit the VetCell website at www.vetcell.com/.
