Anyone has a horse that has had stem cell therapy? Advice please

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SG_Bunny

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My horse tore a chunk out of his meniscus in his stifle joint and last week had an operation to remove the chunk floating around his joint. However now there is a bit missing. There is still meniscus over the weight bearing part of the joint and the cartilage looking extremely good considering. But the problem is now is that he is going to develop osteoarthritis. They have suggested stem cell therapy. This would involves taking cell from his sternum, under sedation and then cultivating them and injecting them into his joint. I'm really in two minds whether to do this or not. He has been extremely miserable since his op and has colic surgery 2 years ago so not really sure if I want to put him through more treatment. Would also mean 6 months off, so not sure if it is better to try and have a few good seasons on him this year and next until the arthritis makes him lame, as he will be 16 next year, so not many years left competing anyway. Or op for the stem cell in the hope that it works and will give be 4 or 5 more years competing.

Does anyone have any experience with stem cells? Any success/ unsuccessful stories. Any advice welcome

Thanks
 
When my old mare had arthritis the vet suggested it was an option - for me personally it was not a financially viable one.

I spoke with a vet friend earlier this year who specialises in this area and she says she wouldn't - in this area (arthritis) the desired results are far from guaranteed - even with dogs, never mind horses.
 
I have only ever dealt with stem cells being put into tendons and it was 50/50 whether it worked or not.

The question is - if the op is unsuccessful how much more quickly will the arthritis set in with him standing in a box for longer?
 
D Morrow - PRP therapy worked for my horse, it was very effective when he sprained his lateral branch of his near fore suspensory tendon. But good management also played a part, as did pulsed mag therapy, LW ultrasound and gradual reintroduction to ridden work. He was also given bute and I moved yards as he was being chased through thick mud in his paddock my dogs on a daily basis so this helped considerably.

He's out and about jumping, dressaging and there is hardly ever any fill in this area now, and its always stayed cold which is good.

I was very pleased with the PRP but again this is tendon and doesn't answer the OP's question about the stifle problem only about PRP.
 
We had stem cell treatment on a mare who had a check ligament problem. She did get an infection in it initially but long term it worked a treat. She was treated at Rossdales who were brilliant. It wasn't cheap though
 
We had a racehorse and it worked a treat on his tendon, however its not a quick fix. Stifles are another issue didn't even know it was being used on them, but always worth a shot. I wish you lots of luck x
 
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