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The Veterinary record2008; 162(7); 208-211; doi: 10.1136/vr.162.7.208

Autologous platelet concentrates as a treatment for musculoskeletal lesions in five horses.

Abstract: Two horses with acute tendinopathy of a superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and three horses with chronic proximal desmitis of the suspensory ligament (PDSL) were treated by injecting autologous concentrates of their platelets into the lesions. The lesions were monitored ultrasonographically and clinically. There were significant ultrasonographic and clinical improvements in the two horses with SDFT, but no ultrasonographic improvements in the horses with PDSL; however, they improved clinically and became less lame. All the horses had returned to their pre-injury level of performance by six months after the completion of the treatment, and none of them had suffered a recurrence after 20 months.
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Publication Date: 2008-02-19 PubMed ID: 18281627DOI: 10.1136/vr.162.7.208Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study investigates the impact of treatment involving the injection of autologous platelet concentrates into musculoskeletal lesions in horses. The results showed significant clinical and ultrasonographic improvements in horses with acute tendinopathy, and perceptible clinical improvements in horses with chronic proximal desmitis, with all horses returning to pre-injury performance levels after treatment.

Research Purpose and Methodology

This research was conducted to explore the therapeutic effects of autologous platelet concentrates on musculoskeletal lesions in horses. The researchers used a small sample size of five horses, two of which had acute tendinopathy of a superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and three had chronic proximal desmitis of the suspensory ligament (PDSL). The treatment process involved the injection of autologous concentrates of the horses’ own platelets directly into the lesions.

  • The investigators monitored the lesions both clinically and using ultrasonographic imaging techniques.
  • They observed the horses’ progress and reactions over a timeline extending to six months post-treatment, and kept track of recurrence for a period of 20 months.

Findings of the Study

The findings pointed to different outcomes based on the types of musculoskeletal lesions:

  • The two horses suffering from acute tendinopathy of SDFT showed significant clinical and ultrasonographic improvements after the treatment. This indicates that autologous platelet concentrates could be a successful treatment method for this specific lesion.
  • The three horses with chronic PDSL, however, did not show any ultrasonographic signs of healing. Nonetheless, they clinically improved and became less lame. This suggests that while the ultrasound imaging did not capture any discernible physical changes to the lesion, the treatment still resulted in noticeable clinical improvements from a functional perspective.

Implications of the Research

The results of this research highlight potentials in using autologous platelet concentrates as a treatment for certain types of musculoskeletal lesions in horses. All the horses returned to their pre-injury level of performance six months after treatment, indicating a successful recovery process. Importantly, no horse experienced a recurrence of their initial lesions even after a period of 20 months. This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the use of autologous platelet concentrates for treating acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders in horses, though more research with larger sample sizes is needed to substantiate the findings.

Cite This Article

APA
Argüelles D, Carmona JU, Climent F, Muñoz E, Prades M. (2008). Autologous platelet concentrates as a treatment for musculoskeletal lesions in five horses. Vet Rec, 162(7), 208-211. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.162.7.208

Publication

The Veterinary record
ISSN: 0042-4900
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 162
Issue: 7
Pages: 208-211

Researcher Affiliations

Argüelles, D
  • Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
Carmona, J U
    Climent, F
      Muñoz, E
        Prades, M

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Blood Platelets
          • Female
          • Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
          • Horse Diseases / pathology
          • Horse Diseases / therapy
          • Horses
          • Lameness, Animal
          • Ligaments / diagnostic imaging
          • Ligaments / pathology
          • Male
          • Musculoskeletal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
          • Musculoskeletal Diseases / pathology
          • Musculoskeletal Diseases / therapy
          • Musculoskeletal Diseases / veterinary
          • Tendinopathy / diagnostic imaging
          • Tendinopathy / pathology
          • Tendinopathy / therapy
          • Tendinopathy / veterinary
          • Tendons / diagnostic imaging
          • Tendons / pathology
          • Treatment Outcome
          • Ultrasonography / veterinary

          Citations

          This article has been cited 23 times.
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