RADIOGRAPHIC, VENOGRAPHIC AND HOOF GROWTH EVALUATIONS IN EQUINE FORELIMBS WITH CHRONIC LAMINITIS TREATED OR NOT WITH MESENQUIMAL STEM CELLS DERIVED FROM ADIPOSE TISSUE

Abstract

Background The objective was to evaluate the effects of regional perfusion of characterized mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue (Ad-MSC) in horses with chronic laminitis. Methods Six mares with stable chronic laminitis in standard treatment for distal phalangeal realignment were subjected to regional perfusion of the digital vein with Ad-MSC (20 million cells, 3 infusions every 15 days) in one forelimb compared to placebo infusion in the contralateral one. Evaluations occurred in two 30-day periods, before and after treatment (from the second infusion). Radiographs and digital venographs were performed on both thoracic limbs at the beginning and end of each period. Venography was evaluated by a vascular perfusion score system. The growth of the hoof capsule was monitored by the distance between the coronary band and a radiopaque marker inserted in the dorsal hoof wall. Radiographic spatial relationship between the distal phalanx and the hoof capsule was assessed by a specific software (Hoof Metron). Results Compared to baseline values, vascular perfusion was improved only in the Ad-MSC group (P Conclusion Ad-MSC therapy promoted improvements in digital blood perfusion, growth rate, and spatial relationship between distal phalanx and hoof capsule. Our results confirm the therapeutic potential of Ad-MSC in the treatment of horses with stable chronic laminitis. Improvements only in treated hooves reveals that infusions must be performed regionally in each of the affected limbs.