Use of Biologics and Stem Cells for Wound Healing in the Horse

Equine clinicians are increasingly interested in using biologics, including cell-based therapies, to treat cutaneous wounds of horses. In vitro studies have shown that MSCs secrete factors that promote wound healing and that primary keratinocytes can be reprogrammed to be used for transplantation. Small in vivo experiments suggest that biologic dressings and dressing products, stem cells, and PRP may pro-mote skin wound healing. Delivery methods should be optimized, and larger trials are needed to confirm whether biologics do indeed improve skin wound healing in horses.