Novel gene therapy gives competition horses new lease of life after lameness

Injecting DNA into injured horse tendons and ligaments can cure lameness, researchers have found. They used gene therapy technology in horses that had gone lame due to injury and within two to three weeks the horses were able to walk and trot. Within two months, the horses were back to full health and ready to compete. Results from the study – believed to be the first example of this type of therapy in horses – could have big implications for both veterinary and human medicine. Tendon and ligament injuries are one of the most common causes of orthopaedic disorders in horses. Injuries of the digital flexor tendons and the suspensory ligament are of utmost clinical importance, resulting in 98 per cent of all cases observed in practice. While a selection of treatment modalities are available, relapses are common. The research team, which involved scientists from Kazan...
Source: Veterinary Record - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: News section Source Type: research