From the Research
Cold compression therapy is not the most effective treatment for equine front limb suspensory ligament desmitis, and instead, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) should be considered as a primary treatment option. The use of MSCs has been shown to be effective in treating suspensory ligament desmitis, with a study published in 2024 1 demonstrating that 71% of treated horses were able to race post-injury, with no significant difference in racing performance pre- and post-injury. This study suggests that MSCs can be a valuable treatment option for equine front limb suspensory ligament desmitis, and may be more effective than traditional treatments such as cold compression therapy.
Some key points to consider when treating equine front limb suspensory ligament desmitis with MSCs include:
- The use of allogeneic stem cells injected locally at the time of diagnosis, followed by 3-4 treatments with autologous bone-marrow derived MSCs 1
- The importance of ultrasonographic and radiographic imaging to determine the degree of suspensory branch injury and sesamoiditis of the associated proximal sesamoid bone 1
- The need for a controlled rehabilitation program lasting 6-12 months depending on injury severity, including gradually increasing hand-walking and controlled exercise under veterinary guidance 2
- The potential benefits of combining MSCs with other treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and acellular bone marrow (ABM), to stimulate matrix synthesis and promote healing 3
It is also important to note that the effectiveness of MSCs in treating equine front limb suspensory ligament desmitis may depend on various factors, such as the severity of the injury, the age and breed of the horse, and the presence of any underlying conditions. Therefore, a comprehensive treatment plan should be developed in consultation with a veterinarian, taking into account the individual needs and circumstances of the horse.