Regenerative Therapies for the Treatment of Tenodesmic Injuries in Horses

• Published in: Journal of equine veterinary science Vol. 73; pp. 139 - 147
• Main Authors: Bonilla-Gutiérrez, Andrés F., López, Catalina, Carmona, Jorge U.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.02.2019
• Subjects: Desmopathy; Ligament; Regenerative medicine; Tendinopathy; Tendon; Tendonitis; Tendinopathy; Ligament; Tendonitis; Desmopathy; Regenerative medicine; Tendon
• ISSN: 0737-0806; 1542-7412
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.12.010

Musculoskeletal disease is one of the primary causes of wastage in the equine industry. Tendons and ligaments are the most affected soft tissues in horses and also have the greatest clinical and economic relevance. Despite recent advances in the detection and management of tenodesmic injuries in horses, the incidence of these soft tissue lesions remains high. Meanwhile, the etiology of tenodesmic injuries continues as a subject of research. In recent years, the development of improved diagnosis skills and new treatment options has increased. However, one of the main factors related to the adequate clinical evolution of tenodesmic injuries in horses remains the choice of the treatment. A controlled exercise program in combination with medical treatment is a common therapy for tenodesmic injuries. Improved knowledge regarding the molecular pathophysiological mechanisms of tenodesmic injuries has allowed the development of novel therapeutic regenerative strategies for these pathologies in horses. The basic and clinical results of regenerative treatments such as stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, and bone marrow aspirates are analyzed alongside their respective limitations in this review. •The musculoskeletal disease is one of the main causes of wastage in the equine industry.•Tenodesmic injuries in horses are an old problem with novel solutions.•Regenerative medicine technologies emerge as new therapeutic options.•Platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirates and mesenchymal stem cells remain as the main regenerative therapies for tenodesmic injuries.•Growth factors contained in these substances seem to be essential for tissue regeneration.