Regenerative medicine including stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma is improving tendon injury rehabilitation outcomes for horses, reducing reinjury rates and welfare burden.
Tendon injuries cause prolonged pain and rehabilitation periods that represent a significant welfare burden for horses. The reinjury problem — where conventionally healed tendons are structurally weaker than original tissue — has historically meant many horses face recurrent painful episodes. Regenerative therapy that produces more organized collagen architecture addresses this fundamental structural problem. While evidence quality varies and treatment is expensive, the welfare case for reduced reinjury rates is compelling in sport and working horses.