Having stem cells at our disposal for treating tendon and ligament injuries in horses but not knowing exactly how to administer them is like having a million dollars you can’t spend. One researcher from Colorado State University (CSU) described stem cell preparation and delivery at the 2012 American Association of Equine Practitioners’ Convention, held Dec. 1-5 in Anaheim, Calif.

"Stem cells are now widely used by equine practitioners to treat a variety of conditions, most commonly tendon and ligament injuries and joint disease," relayed Laurie Goodrich, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, from CSU’s Orthopedic Research Center. She said that knowing how and when to use stem cells is important, as is using the right "type" of stem cell to derive the maximum benefit from stem cell therapy.

Although there are a variety of stem cell types (e.g., sourced from fat vs. bone marrow) and different ways to prepare and use them, Goodrich indicated that bone marrow-derived stem cells that are grown in culture appear superior to other types of cells for treating musculoskeletal injuries.

During her presentation, Goodrich described how to thaw frozen cells; prepare the cells, horse, and equipment for injection; and use ultrasound imaging to inject a tendon or ligament