Mesenchymal stem cell treatment of suspensory ligament branch desmitis: post mortem findings in a 10 year old Russian Warmblood gelding - a case report

Abstract

Objective of the study was to compare the gross and histological appearance of one lateral suspensory ligament branch treated using autologous mesenchymal stem cells with one untreated lateral suspensory ligament branch in the same horse. Case records of a horse previously treated for lateral suspensory ligament branch desmitis using autologous mesenchymal stem cells were reviewed; the suspensory ligaments were dissected and the gross and histological findings recorded. Ultrasonographically, grossly, and histologically the treated suspensory ligament branch showed evidence of improved healing and formation of ligament-like tissue compared to the untreated suspensory branch in the contralateral limb. The implantation of cultured autologous mesenchymal stem cells into core suspensory branch lesions resulted in the formation of a matrix organisationally similar to normal suspensory ligament