Industry Info in horses using donor stem cells .” Currently , stem cell treatments are limited by the quality of a patient ’ s cells and the time it takes to culture them , and donor cells are rejected by a horse ’ s immune system if perceived as foreign . A culture technique that would enable donor stem cells to avoid detection as foreign by the recipient ’ s immune system would , in turn , greatly enhance the opportunities for conveniently and effectively utilizing stem cell therapy over what is currently possible .
In Dr . Berglund ’ s words : “ Stem cell therapies have the potential to improve the outcome of severe and potentially life-ending musculoskeletal diseases in horses , including those of the distal limb and foot . In particular , stem cells have shown promise for the treatment of deep digital flexor tendon lesions associated with navicular syndrome and for the treatment of laminitis .” Ideally , however , stem cell therapy should be administered as soon as possible following the time of injury or identification of the initial signs of disease , but since donor cells can be killed by the recipient horse ’ s immune system if perceived as foreign , the use of this promising treatment is currently limited .
Roxanne Davis , Director of Organizational Giving for Morris Animal Foundation , acknowledged the impact of the AFA ’ s grant : “ The Foundation is deeply appreciative of the American Farrier ’ s Association ’ s investment in regenerative therapy research which holds great promise for improving the lives of horses . Together , we are advancing equine health by supporting the development of new treatments for devastating diseases and injuries .”
The AFA ’ s Equine Research Chairman , Doug Russo , CJF and resident farrier at Iowa State University ’ s School of Veterinary Medicine , directed the review process for selection of this research .
Founded in 1969 , the American Farrier ’ s Association is the largest U . S . based organization serving farriers worldwide , and the only U . S . farrier membership association to have an internationally recognized certification program . To learn more : www . americanfarriers . org
Morris Animal Foundation is a global leader in funding scientific studies that advance the health of companion animals , horses and wildlife . Since its founding in 1948 , the Foundation has invested over $ 103 million in more than 2,500 studies that have led to significant breakthroughs in diagnostics , treatments and preventions to benefit animals worldwide . Learn more at www . morrisanimalfoundation . org
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