Regenerative Therapies
Advanced Healing for Equine Athletes
At Cave Creek Equine® Sports Medicine & Surgery, we specialize in regenerative therapies that harness the horse’s own biological materials to accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and restore function. Our team, including Dr. Martin Vidal and Dr. Fabio Aristizabal, has been at the forefront of equine regenerative medicine, contributing to research and clinical advancements in the field.
What Is Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine focuses on stimulating the body’s natural healing processes to repair damaged tissues. By utilizing autologous (patient-derived) therapies, we aim to enhance recovery from injuries that were once considered career-ending. These therapies are particularly effective for:
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Joint inflammation and osteoarthritis
- Soft tissue lesions
- Laminitis and hoof-related conditions
Our Regenerative Therapies
Stem Cell / BMAC
PRP
IRAP / ACS
APS / Pro-Stride
PAHG
How It Works
Tissue repair
Concentrated growth factors
IL-1 receptor antagonist
Combined PRP + anti-inflammatory
Synthetic joint lubrication
Common Use
Tendon, ligament, meniscal injury
Tendon, ligament, joint lesions
Osteoarthritis, joint cases
Joint inflammation, post-op
Degenerative osteoarthritis
Success
Lower re-injury, better collagen
Improved healing and function
Anecdotal, case-based benefit
Limited peer-reviewed data
~75-82% lameness relief, long duration
Main Risks
Culture delay, possible immune reaction
Injection response inflammation
Mild injection discomfort
Low-mild local reaction
Minimal, even with repeated use
Stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate into various cell types, making them invaluable for tissue regeneration. We utilize mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow or adipose tissue to treat:
- Suspensory ligament desmitis
- Superficial and deep digital flexor tendon injuries
- Joint cartilage defects
- Chronic laminitis
Stem cell therapy reduces healing time, improves the tissue architecture, and reduces re-injury rate.
PRP therapy involves concentrating platelets from the horse’s own blood to create a serum rich in growth factors. This serum is injected into injured areas to promote healing in:
- Tendons and ligaments
- Joints affected by osteoarthritis
- Soft tissue injuries
PRP is particularly beneficial for injuries in areas with limited blood flow, enhancing the body’s natural repair mechanisms.
IRAP therapy targets inflammation within joints by blocking interleukin-1 (IL-1), a cytokine responsible for cartilage degradation. The process involves:
- Collecting the horse’s blood
- Processing it to produce autologous conditioned serum (ACS)
- Injecting the ACS into the affected joint
This therapy is effective in managing osteoarthritis and other joint-related conditions, reducing pain and improving mobility.
APS / Pro-Stride
Autologous Protein Solution (APS) therapy is a blood-derived twice-centrifuged product combining high levels of IL-1Ra, growth factors, and anti-inflammatory cytokines – think of it as PRP + IRAP in one.
Pro-Stride is a dual-device system producing a blend of PRP and anti-inflammatory soluble factors to treat joint inflammation and soft tissue injury.
These therapies are used widely for joints and postoperative cases.
PAHG (Noltrex / ArthramidVet)
Polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAHG) acts as a viscoelastic supplement to lubricate joints, alleviate lameness, and reduce joint effusion in horses with osteoarthritis (OA).
“Regenerative Therapies are not magic bullets, but they can dramatically improve outcomes when used appropriately and as part of a full recovery plan. Rest, rehabilitation, and careful management are still essential. Regenerative therapies give your horse a head start, but what happens after treatment matters just as much.”
Dr. Martin Vidal – BVSc, MS, PhD, Diplomate ACVS, Diplomate ACVSMR
If your horse is dealing with an injury or chronic condition, regenerative therapies may offer a path to recovery. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.