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Embryonic stem cells have vast therapeutic potential
but their use is fraught with scientific and ethical
complications. However, autologous adult stem cells,
which come from the patient itself, are much more
straightforward. Adult mesenchymal stem cells are
a particular type of cell that has the potential to
develop into a range of tissue types. These cells
are able to regenerate tendon or ligament cells where
damage has been caused by injury or disease (regeneration
rather than repair). They are found in a number of
tissues including the bone marrow of adult horses
and in the umbilical cord of foals.
VetCell’s pioneering development is a technique
for ‘multiplying’ mesenchymal stem cells
from umbilical cord or adult bone marrow. This provides
a large number of cells for tissue regeneration.
Tendon/Ligament Injury
Many competition horses suffer career threatening
tendon or ligament injuries as a result of their sporting
endeavours. Traditional therapies usually result in
heavy scarring and, consequently, ‘recovered’
animals have both reduced tendon or ligament efficiency
and a high risk of re-injury.
Stem cells, however, for the first time, offer the
prospect of a return to a fully functional tendon
or ligament rather than to one compromised by the
presence of scar tissue.
Tendon/Ligament Treatment
Treatment is usually very straightforward. When a
veterinary surgeon believes that an injury is suitable
for stem cell therapy he/she will initially take stem
cells from the injured horse’s bone marrow under
sedation and local anaesthesia.
The sample is then transferred to one of VetCell’s
laboratories where the stem cells are separated and
encouraged to multiply. Once sufficient stem cells
are available (2-3 weeks) they are re-suspended in
fluid from the bone marrow sample and returned to
the veterinary surgeon. Approximately 5 million stem
cells are used for each cubic centimetre of visible
damage.
The veterinary surgeon implants the cells into the
lesion using an ultrasound machine to guide the needle
directly into the damaged area. After a few days of
box rest the horse will enter a careful exercise regime
designed to encourage new tissue formation.
scan's pre and post treatment
The stem cell therapy is designed to provide a better
quality end result rather than reducing the rehabilitation
time and the programme aims to have the horse back
into full competition within 12 months. The overall
cost of the therapy fits within standard veterinary
insurance policies.
Stem cell treatment process |
