Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative Medicine

Stem Cells

Stem cells are a powerful regenerative medicine that have many uses in the treatment of disease in the horse. In sports medicine, stem cells can be injected to sites of tendonitis or arthritis to potentially improve the rate and quality of healing. Bone marrow can be collected from your horses sternum or ilium and sent to a laboratory where the cells are cultured and propagated. After about 3 weeks the cells can be injected to horses site of tendonitis or arthritis sometimes under ultrasound or arthroscopic guidance. These cultured cells can additionally be banked for use in the future. Intra-arterial perfusion of stem cells is being performed in the image seen.

Pro-Stride

Pro-Stride is an autologous (self) blood product for the treatment of arthritis. The system concentrates anti-inflammatory proteins which can be injected into your horses' joints in less than 30 minutes without incubation. The treatment, which can be collected and processed stall side, is performed as a single use (rather than a series) and can last up to a year. Learn More

PRP

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is commonly used in equine orthopedics in order to hasten the speed and quality of healing. Blood is collected and centrifuged so that a high concentration of platelets are collected. The platelets contain large amounts of growth factors that stimulate and facilitate healing.

IRAP

Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP) binds IL-1 which is a potent inflammatory protein involved in joint degeneration (arthritis). After harvesting and incubating the ​​​​​​​horse's own blood, IRAP is injected, typically in a series, in order to decrease inflammation within a joint.

BMAC

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) uses the bodies own stem cells, anti-inflammatory, and reparative compounds to facilitate the speed and quality of healing. Bone marrow is harvested, typically from the sternum, and centrifuged in order to collect high concentrations of bone marrow derived stem cells and regenerative cytokines. BMAC is commonly used for the treatment of suspensory ligament injuries, treating the insertions of soft tissue and bone, and arthroscopically into cartilage lesions.

Shockwave

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the healing of bone, tendons, and ligaments. The treatment is often performed as a series and is also thought to decrease pain.

Cold Laser Therapy

Our class 3B cold laser (low level laser) can be used to decrease tissue inflammation and stimulate tissue regeneration. The cold laser uses wavelengths to stimulate cells without generating heat. This can promote the regeneration of healthy tissue and natural healing. Call CVMC to see if your horse is a candidate or for more information.