Peninsula Equine Medical Center

A-Cell® is a licensed extra cellular matrix (ECM) currently being utilized as an agent to promote tissue reconstruction. ECM’s have been derived from several tissues in human research and this A-Cell product is derived specifically from the submucosa of porcine urinary bladder. It is proving to be very effective in promoting tissue regeneration and return to function of tendon and ligament injuries in the equine limb. Cases involving acute or chronic suspensory ligament injuries have been especially rewarding both in obtaining stronger, more organized fiber pattern healing on ultrasound and in returning to rehabilitation exercise and performance more rapidly than previous therapies. Treatment is accomplished by intra-lesional injection of the A-Cell suspension followed by an exacting post treatment therapy and exercise program.

Other ancillary therapeutic modalities which we are currently utilizing in conjunction with A-Cell® include autologous washed platelets, bone marrow, adipose-origin stem cells, and Tildren ®. Each of these components of therapy has specific functions in tissue healing and fiber repair, and their applicability are assessed on an individual case basis. The end result, however, has been a dramatic enhancement of tendon-ligament repair process on a cellular level, a marked decrease in the time required to rehabilitate and return to performance (as much as 30-50% decrease), a better prognosis for return to upper level performance stress, and a decrease in incidence of injury site reoccurrence.

We will continue to update this site with specific developments in these exciting therapeutic modalities as well as more information on physical therapy aspects of tendon-ligament injuries currently being utilized here at Peninsula Equine’s STAR Equine Medical Center.