Allogeneic Stem Cells Alter Gene Expression and Improve Healing of Distal Limb Wounds in Horses.

Distal extremity wounds are a significant clinical problem in horses and humans and may benefit from mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy. This study evaluated the effects of direct wound treatment with allogeneic stem cells, in terms of gross, histologic, and transcriptional features of healing. Three full-thickness cutaneous wounds were created on each distal forelimb in six healthy horses, for a total of six wounds per horse.

Ultrastructure and growth factor content of equine platelet-rich fibrin gels.

Objective: To compare fiber diameter, pore area, compressive stiffness, gelation properties, and selected growth factor content of platelet-rich fibrin gels (PRFGs) and conventional fibrin gels (FGs).

Sample: PRFGs and conventional FGs prepared from the blood of 10 healthy horses.

Procedures: Autologous fibrinogen was used to form conventional FGs.

Synovial fluid growth factor and cytokine concentrations after intra-articular injection of a platelet-rich product in horses.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) products may be useful for treatment of joint disease in horses, but may contain undesirable pro-inflammatory cytokines in addition to growth factors. This study investigated whether autologous PRP increases synovial fluid growth factor and cytokine concentrations when injected into normal equine metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal (fetlock) joints. Fetlock joints of seven healthy horses received one of four treatments: saline, resting PRP, CaCl2-activated PRP or thrombin-activated PRP.

Intra-articular use of a platelet-rich product in normal horses: clinical signs and cytologic responses.

Objectives: (1) To report the clinical and synovial effects of a platelet-rich product (PRPr) in normal equine joints, (2) to assess the persistence of platelets within synovial fluid after intra-articular injection, (3) to compare responses to different preparations of that product, and (4) to evaluate a gravity filtration system for PRPr preparation in horses.

Study Design: Experimental.

Methods: A platelet-rich saline product (PRPr) was prepared from 7 normal horses using a proprietary preparation device and was divided into 3 treatments: resting, CaCl2 -activated (23 mM, final), and bovine thrombin-activated (10 U/mL, final).

Activation of equine platelet-rich plasma: comparison of methods and characterization of equine autologous thrombin.

Objective: To investigate and compare clinically relevant Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) activation methods.

Study Design: Experimental.

Methods: PRP was prepared from 6 equine subjects.

Results of computed tomography in horses with ethmoid hematoma: 16 cases (1993-2005).

Objective: To determine whether CT provides unique information about the treatment or prognosis for horses with ethmoid hematoma (EH).

Design: Retrospective case series.

Animals: 16 horses with EH.

Computed tomographic appearance of equine sinonasal neoplasia.

The computed tomography (CT) features of tumors involving the nasal cavity and/or paranasal sinuses of 15 horses were reviewed. The 15 tumors included five neuroendocrine tumors/neuroblastomas, two undifferentiated carcinomas, two myxosarcomas, and one each of nasal adenocarcinoma, hemangiosarcoma, chondroblastic osteosarcoma, anaplastic sarcoma, myxoma, and ossifying fibroma. All tumors except the ossifying fibroma were iso- or hypoattenuating relative to masseter muscle.

Autologous biologic treatment for equine musculoskeletal injuries: platelet-rich plasma and IL-1 receptor antagonist protein.

Autologous biologic therapies such as platelet-rich plasma and autologous conditioned serum are in widespread clinical use to treat musculoskeletal pathology in horses. These substances exert a therapeutic effect through the provision of either anabolic or anti-catabolic factors, or a combination of both. This article discusses the history, experimental and clinical literature, and currently accepted preparation and usage strategies for both platelet-rich plasma and autologous conditioned serum.

Effects of preparation method, shear force, and exposure to collagen on release of growth factors from equine platelet-rich plasma.

Objective: To test the hypotheses that preparation method, exposure to shear force, and exposure to collagen affect the release of growth factors from equine platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Sample Population: PRP obtained from 6 horses.

Procedures: PRP was prepared via 2 preparation methods (tube and automated) and subjected to 6 treatment conditions (resting, detergent, exposure to shear via 21- and 25-gauge needles, and exposure to collagen [10 and 20 μg/mL]).

Tenoscopic release of the equine carpal canal.

Objective: To develop a tenoscopic method to divide the carpal flexor retinaculum and decompress the carpal canal.

Study Design: Cadaver specimen study and prospective trial.

Animals: Twelve cadaveric limbs, 4 clinically normal horses, and 2 clinically affected horses.