Researchers have found they can reduce joint pain and inflammation in race horses with substances drawn from frozen blood from umbilical chords.
Two studies led by Dr. Judith Koenig and her team at the Ontario Veterinary College have shown the treatments to be safe and effective.
Both studies received funding from Equine Guelph.
“This type of cells is much more practical if you have a cell bank,” said Koenig. “You can treat more horses with it and it's off the shelf.”
MRI’s, x-rays, ultrasounds and weekly lameness evaluations revealed signs of osteoarthritis improved in the treated horses.
After six weeks of treatment, the arthroscopic score was also significantly lower than in a control group.
Another trial with six horses is planned this spring.
