Many competition horses suffer career threatening tendon or ligament injuries as a result of their athletic endeavours. A multitude of treatments have been advocated for the management of tendon injuries but there is little evidence that previous therapies are any more effective than a prolonged period of rest and controlled exercise.

Stem Cells have the unique capacity to generate a range of specialized cell types, so for years researchers have looked for ways to use them to replace damaged or diseased tissue. Back in 1961 researchers showed that stem cells could develop into tendon cells in the lab, and by the end of the 1990's the regeneration of new tendon-like tissue had been shown in vivo.

More recently the implantation of mesenchymal stem cells into injured equine tendons and ligaments has, for the first time, offered the prospect of a return to a fully functional tendon I ligament.

VetCell, in partnership with the Royal Veterinary College and the Institute for Orthopaedics, has pioneered a technique for "multiplying" equine mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord or adult bone marrow. This provides affordable stem cells that can be used in the treatment of tendon or ligament injuries.

Bone marrow is a rich source of stem cells. A veterinary surgeon can take a bone marrow sample from the sternum of an injured horse under standing sedation and local anaesthetic.

The stem cells are extracted from the bone marrow sample and multiplied at VetCell's laboratories. Up to 10 million autologous stem cells are subsequently returned to the horse's veterinary surgeon for ultrasound guided implantation directly into the core of the tendon lesion.

The horse then undergoes a carefully controlled rehabilitation programme that will encourage a return to full fitness.

David Mountfiled MA VetMB MRCVS, from Vetcell Bio Science Ltd comments.

"Successful extraction of bone marrow and implantation of stem cells is only one part of this new therapeutic approach. The second, and critical, part is the carefully controlled and monitored rehabilitation programme.

The Harben's Equine Care Centre with both rehabilitation facilities and a well equipped equine veterinary practice on site provides an ideal situation in which an injured horse can undergo stem cell treatment and subsequent rehabilitation. "

David Mountford MA VetMB MRCVS VetCell BioScience Ltd

For further information visit www.vetcell.com/technology.htm