Horses can experience a variety of orthopedic conditions that affect their comfort, mobility, and ability to perform. From tendon and ligament injuries to osteoarthritis and certain bone conditions, these problems can present challenges for horses, owners, and veterinarians. VetStem Cell Therapy uses regenerative cells processed from a horse’s own fat tissue and has been used by veterinarians to treat a range of orthopedic conditions. According to VetStem survey data, 77% of horses treated for tendon injuries, 76% treated for suspensory ligament injuries, and 57% treated for joint disease returned to their previous level of work. Here are several examples of equine conditions treated with VetStem Cell Therapy and the outcomes reported in individual cases.

Tendon and Ligament Injuries

Tendon and ligament injuries can be particularly challenging in performance horses because healing may take months, and scar tissue can affect the quality of healing. VetStem Cell Therapy may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation plan for these injuries. In one case study involving a seven-year-old Dutch Warmblood show jumper, a horse with an acute superficial digital flexor tendon injury showed improved ultrasound findings one month after treatment, returned to work under saddle by month four, and resumed a full work schedule by month six. In another case study involving a six-year-old cutting horse with a suspensory ligament injury, the prognosis for return to function was considered guarded with an estimated time of 12 to 15 months. Following stem cell treatment, he returned to his previous level of competition in approximately six months.

Joint Disease and Arthritis

Joint conditions, including osteoarthritis, can cause pain, lameness, and reduced range of motion, affecting a horse’s comfort and performance. Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD), a developmental condition that can affect joint cartilage and the underlying bone, may also require intervention. Veterinarians may consider VetStem Cell Therapy as part of an individualized treatment plan for certain joint conditions. In a case study of a 15-year-old Thoroughbred broodmare with osteoarthritis in both front fetlock joints, the mare showed improved comfort within 30 days of treatment and was sound at the walk by the 3.5-month evaluation. In another case study involving a two-year-old Quarter Horse colt with stifle OCD, regenerative cell therapy was performed alongside arthroscopic treatment. At follow-up, the colt was sound in both hind limbs, and subsequent evaluation documented cartilage repair. These cases illustrate how regenerative cell therapy may be incorporated into treatment plans for different types of joint disease.

Other Conditions: Bone Cysts and Laminitis

Veterinarians have also used VetStem Cell Therapy in selected cases involving subchondral bone cysts, which are defects in the bone beneath a joint’s cartilage that can contribute to lameness. In a case study of a two-year-old Arabian gelding with a subchondral bone cyst, follow-up radiographs showed substantial improvement in the defect (image below), and the horse returned to competitive activity within 45 days of treatment. VetStem has also shared the story of Bunny, a Quarter Horse with severe laminitis. After receiving two treatments with her own stem cells, Bunny’s owner reported significant improvement and a return to the reining and ranch riding show pen.

It is important to note that each horse and each injury varies, and these individual success stories should not be interpreted as a guarantee of results or as evidence that VetStem Cell Therapy is appropriate for every horse with these conditions. As with any orthopedic problem, diagnosis, treatment selection, and rehabilitation should be guided by the attending veterinarian. If you think your horse may benefit from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.