Posted on 09/03/2006 9:31:32 PM PDT by Coleus
What's believed to be Canada's first stem-cell treatment for horses has been conducted in southern Alberta. Veterinarians at the Alberta Equine Hospital in Stavely, 80 km south of Calgary, have implanted stem cells into five horses suffering from leg joint problems last Thursday.
It came after a long battle with federal officials to allow passage of the stem-cell material -- donated from the patient horses themselves -- back over the border after it's sent for processing in a San Diego lab, said Dr. Andy Guccione. "Just being able to bring this therapy into Canada is a huge thing," said Guccione.
Equine stem cells are taken from fat in the head of the horse's tail and implanted into the treated area. Guccione said the process has proven successful in the U.S. and appears to already be working on his four-legged patients by regenerating their joint tissue.
For now, Guccione said he's only able to perform the therapy under a temporary permit. The treatments will probably cost about $3,500 each.
Yes, stem cell therapy in equine medicine is truly remarkable. I cannot believe that Canada is just now beginning to use this therapy that has been used in the US for a couple of years. In my experience Canada and Europe have medicines and treatment modalities we don't see for years because of the FDA.
"In my experience Canada and Europe have medicines and treatment modalities we don't see for years because of the FDA."
Yeah, but they don't get sued at the drop of a hat, like the pharamceutical companies here in the U.S. do if a person croaks, allegedly because of meds. So the FDA is much more cautious about approving drugs, as the companies are so vulnerable to lawsuits by shyster lawyers looking to make a quick buck. Nothing like hitting the jackpot, especially with a class action suit.
I really think we have something here. I'm reading about all kinds of results from adult stem cell repair in humans. I wasn't aware it was being used to treat animals though.
Yes they do. Europe had thalidomide and the U.S. didn't because of the FDA.
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