Advances in Mesenchymal Stem cell Therapy for Equine Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Stem cell-based regenerative therapies have gained attention from equine veterinarians in the past two decades responding to the pressing need posed by the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among horses and the limited success of conventional treatment options. Given their remarkable regenerative potential and versatility, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have merged as afocal point of interest within this field. As a prevalent and debilitating musculoskeletal disorder, osteoarthritis (OA) poses significant challenges for equine veterinarians and owners alike, affecting the well-being and performance of affected animals. This review aims to provide valuable insights into evidence-based treatments using MSCs in equine veterinary medicine, ultimately improving outcomes for horses affected by OA and contributing to ongoing efforts to advance equine musculoskeletal health.