Stem Cell Therapy

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem Cell therapy, a major component of Regenerative Medicine, uses a concentrated form of stem cells that are derived from fat tissue to treat traumatic and degenerative diseases of soft tissues and cartilage. This therapy is a 3 part process: 1) surgical collection of fat tissue from you horse; 2) lab processing of the fat sample to isolate and concentrate the stem cells; and 3) injection of the stem cells into the affected area. Dr. Silverman will surgically remove a small fat sample from the area above the tail head on your horse, closing with suture. This wound should have minimal to no scaring. The sample is then shipped overnight to the lab for processing. After 24-48 hours the sample is shipped back to Dr. Silverman in ready-to-inject syringes. On many occasions the fat sample may yield excess cells that may be stored at the lab for future use. There is a separate “banking” fee from the lab for this service.

An alternative method of obtaining concentrated stem cells involves the use of bone marrow aspirate. This procedure involves the collection of a marrow sample from either the sternum, (breast bone), or the pelvis via the tuber coxae, (point of the hip). This sample is then sent to a special lab for processing. A concentrate of stem cells along with critical growth factors is then utilized to aid in the repair of your horse’s injury.

The area of stem cell research and regenerative medicine in general is in a constant state of evolution. Please stay tuned for future developments.