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- > Horses: Osteoarthritis in horses – MSC and PRP therapies
Osteoarthritis in horses
– modern biological therapies
Introduction
Osteoarthritis in horses is one of the most common orthopedic conditions affecting both sport and recreational horses. The degenerative process leads to the destruction of joint cartilage, chronic pain, and decreased mobility. In advanced cases, the horse may completely lose its ability to train or work.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis:
- stiffness and lameness after exercise or rest,
- limited range of motion, difficulty turning,
- swelling and pain in the joints,
- decreased athletic performance, reluctance to move,
- in severe cases – chronic lameness preventing the horse from being used.
Standard treatment
Traditionally, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cartilage-supporting supplements, intra-articular injections (hyaluronic acid, corticosteroids), and rehabilitation are used. These therapies provide relief but do not rebuild cartilage or stop the progression of the disease.
Modern biological therapies
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)
MSCs are currently the most effective method of cartilage regeneration in horses. They differentiate into cartilage cells and support the reconstruction of the joint matrix. They inhibit the inflammatory process, improve mobility, and allow the horse to return to training.
👉 Check out how mesenchymal stem cells work
PRP – platelet-rich plasma
PRP supports the regeneration of periarticular tissues and reduces inflammation. It contains growth factors that improve the joint environment, reducing pain and promoting healing.
Therapy IL-1
In advanced osteoarthritis, IL-1 inhibits chronic inflammation and reduces pain. It is used to improve quality of life and extend the working life of horses.
👉Learn more about IL-1 pain therapy and treatment
Approach depending on the stage of the disease
Stage 1 – early symptoms: PRP to improve the microenvironment of the joint and reduce inflammation.
Stage 2 – progressive changes: MSC for cartilage regeneration and long-term improvement.
Stage 3 – advanced disease: IL-1 and palliative therapies to reduce pain and improve the horse's comfort.
Summary
Osteoarthritis in horses is a chronic condition that limits the animal's performance and sporting career. Standard therapies mainly treat the symptoms, while modern biological methods – PRP, MSC, and IL-1 – enable regeneration, reduce inflammation, and allow the horse to return to activity.
FAQ
No—it is a chronic disease, but biological therapies can significantly slow it down and improve the horse's quality of life.
In many horses, improvement is visible for several months, and sometimes even longer, especially during rehabilitation.
No – PRP works well in the early stages, while MSCs are essential for cartilage regeneration in more advanced cases.
Most often in cases of advanced osteoarthritis, to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.