Stem cell treatment for ligaments...

[kinglouis]

anyone used this treatment? I have a gelding who has been off for 5 months with a high suspensory injury albeit a very mild one, he has had 5 months off, he's had adaquan, shockwave, & Tildron & is now 95% sound, I have been told to start working him. If he doesn't withstand the work then I have run out of options other than to turn away for months:-( I read about stem cell on H&H and was wondering if anyone had used this treatment, was it successfull & how expensive are we talking 100's, 1000's? any info appreciated.

 

[longtalltilly]

My horse is now having this for a hole in his tendon - having the stems implanted next week! Works best if you have it done asap. Costs alot!!! To have the horses own bone marrow taken for culture is about £1500 but to have pigs bladder cultured is alot cheaper(in the £500 region) although less a likelyhood of the horse rejecting if its their own cells!

Hope your horse comes sound

 

[kinglouis]

Thanx..me too! He was just so mildly lame it was not even visable to most people but it just seems to have gone on and on! I hope the treatment works on your horse, do you mind me asking if it is covered by insurance? I have read my policy and it is obviously excluded, but the little print is quite confusing. What follows the stem implantaion next week, lots of rest or does it mend quite quickly? Let me know how you get on & fingers crossed.

 

[longtalltilly]

Insurance company have told me to put the claim in and they will then decide:S not sure if thats a good way to go but hey-I guess he is worth it! nope still lots of rest after the implantation - they are estimating a year out in total!

 

[kinglouis]

Oh gosh thats a long time and I am whinging about 5 months..I take it back! Stay in touch on PM would really like to hear how you get on. Best Wishes, KL

 

[Paint it Lucky]

Kinglouis in theory stem cell treatment should work for ligaments (it is most publisized on tendons but in theory it should work for anything). So may be worth a go although obviously consult your vet first. Also note that ligaments heal best with gentle strengthening exercise rather than complete box rest (which is now considered quite an old fashioned treatment). So if your vet has told you to rest your horse after only a mild injury i would be a bit concerned, yes he does need rest but it should be structured, not just chuk him in a field for 12 months. Obviously treatment varies with circumstances but do some research into this and possibly get a second oppinion from another vet on what they think is best. Good luck whatever you decide and i hope your boy comes sound.