Stem cell therapy for damaged ligaments/tendons

[no_no_nanette]

Has anyone had any experience of this technique? Our vet suggested it as one approach to our mare's having torn her deep flexor tendon ... but it all sounded a bit new and scary at the time, so we went for extended rest and turning her away instead! I believe that it is a technique that might have been used with racehorses at the Newmarket veterinary centre, but would be really interested in finding out more about it .... Any info gratefully received!

 

[star]

i have seen it done when i was at uni (at the Royal Vet College in potters bar). One of the vets there (Roger Smith) is one of the pioneers of it and Lucy on here works for him so should hopefully see this and answer. i have seen some good results and i think they are very hopeful with this technique for the future.

 

[Lucy_Ally]

Hello. What would you like to know?

 

[vicijp]

I had a horse arrive on Sunday who received stem cell therapy just under a year ago. His legs are clean, even my vet couldnt tell me which tendon it was.
I received a care sheet with an ultra strict immediate excercise program for the horse (down to the day of/duration of/speed of exercise). It worries me that this wasnt adhered to, the horse was bunged on a horsewalker for 10 months. However it was only the superficial that was damaged, and only the next few weeks will tell.
I know of another that returned to winning form within 8 months of the treatment. Also know of another that went on to break down on the opposite suspensory.

 

[MarthaRodman1]

Hi there!
My horse had stem cell treatment 1 month ago tomorrow and is back at the RVC for a follow up scan tomorrow to!

Anyway, Jack had a lesion (hole) on the point of his hock, he was originally referred to Rossdales but as I now work at the RVC it was suggested that I get him referred here. Roger Smith, who pioneered this amazing surgery looked after him. After the initial implantation of the cells they should be box rested for 7 days - literally box rested, this allows the cells to settle. Then after 7 days you start a v strict exercise programme, that you get given - if you want to PM me I can send it to you if you like. It starts on week 2 with 10 mins walking in hand, then week 3 20 mins walking, then week 4 30 mins walking (which is what we're on now) then after 4 weeks they go back for a scan and an assesment. Following this you can then all being well get on and start walking them for between 40 - 45 mins a day and then you gradually introduce trott and canter work over a period of about 9 months -between having re-scans every 2/3 months.

It's OK for them to go on the walker, so don't panic there. But if he's had the surgery 10 months ago, depending on how it all went he should be up to some trott and possibly canter now.

I met Lucy last week who works for Roger, she grows the cells in her little incubator and she has my horses to!!

Anyway, hope this helps you. Do you know if this horse has had any re-scans etc? It is a fairly new procedure but one that has some positive results, Roger lectures all over the world on stem cell treatment - it's his baby!!

MX