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Study brings fresh hope to horses with tendon injuries
Tendon injuries are the leading cause of retirement in horses.
Research by the AHT may lead to new treatments for this common problem

Embryonic stem cells may give horses with tendon injuries a greater chance of recovery, according to new research.

The study, published in the journal Nature, used a laboratory model to show that adult tendon cells cannot produce ‘artificial tendons’ when exposed to inflammation.

Conversely, researchers found that embryonic stem cells that were directed to turn into tendon cells behaved as normal when exposed to inflammation.

The study was led by the Animal Health Trust and funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board, Racing Foundation, Alice Noakes Memorial Charitable Trust and Beryl Evetts and Robert Luff Animal Welfare Trust.

“We were able to demonstrate that these tendon cells express different levels of receptors for inflammatory proteins on their surface,” explained Dr Debbie Guest, head of stem cell research at the AHT.

“This means that these stem cells may provide a useful source of cells for clinical transplantation into the injured tendon as they are unlikely to suffer any negative effects from being placed into an inflamed environment.”

Tendon injuries are the leading cause of retirement in horses. The early stages of tendon injury are usually accompanied by a significant increase in tissue inflammation, which is likely to contribute to poor tissue regeneration.

The AHT has secured funding for a follow-up study and the team are hopeful that new treatments for this common problem may soon be developed. 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.