Regenerative Medicine for Tendinopathies in the Canine

Soft tissue injuries are common conditions afflicting sporting, performance and active dogs due to the repetitive forces placed on tendons and ligaments during activities. It is reported that tendon and ligament injuries account for nearly 45% of all musculoskeletal injuries in humans yearly in the U.S. Tendons and ligaments are susceptible to major stress during sports, and if injured through repetitive microtrauma, heal slowly due to poor vascularity compared with other connective tissues. While tendon ruptures or avulsions are typically treated through primary surgical repair, this is not typically an option for core lesions (intratendonous disruptions). Core lesions typically heal by secondary intention or fibrosis rather than regeneration. Because of the loss of organized matrix these tissues have lost their elasticity and are predisposed to reinjury. Regenerative medicine therapy has been shown in the equine literature to allow for healing and regeneration of tendon core lesions following injury. A similar response has been noted in dogs with tendon injury. Regenerative medicine technology gives new hope for extending the careers and improving the quality of life of the canine athlete.