New applications for equine stem cells?

Experimental data indicates that stem cells may support healing of meniscal tissue in the stifle as well as in tendons and ligaments of horses. The initial research, which is being carried out by Professor Roger Smith from London's Royal Veterinary College, is encouraging UK vets to explore the option of using stem cells to treat equine intra-synovial soft tissue injuries.

Healing of intra-synovial soft tissue injuries is frustratingly poor in the horse with a 6% prognosis for Grade III meniscal tears1 and 18% prognosis for long tears of the deep digital flexor tendon within the digital flexor tendon sheath2.  At present, the gold standard is arthroscopic debridement of the damaged areas but vets have not previously been able to augment the subsequent phases of tissue repair. It is hoped that stem cells would have the capacity to assist with this aspect.

The most appropriate intra-synovial cases for stem cell treatment would be synovial cavities containing soft tissue pathology. These would include grade III/IV meniscal tears with a stable stifle or tendon tears within a tendon sheath or bursa such as deep digital flexor tendon tears in the digital sheath or navicular bursa.