FAQ

What is the difference between stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood and those derived from bone marrow and fat tissue?
When and how do you collect the cord blood stem cells?
How safe is this for the foal?
What injuries could be helped / healed through the transplantation of these cells?
Can I use my foal's stem cells for another horse?
How long can these cells be stored and still be useable?
When should the application be completed?
Are the veterinarians / technicians that my barn uses familier with the collection process?
After the foal has been delivered and the procedure of collecting the cells has been completed, how do the cells get delivered to the EquStem processing laboratory?
What steps do I have to take to become regeistered in this program?



What is the difference between stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood and those derived from bone marrow and fat tissue?
Umbilical cord blood stem cells are extracted from the umbilical cord after the birth of the foal. This means that there is no surgical procedure required. Stem cells taken from bone marrow and fat tissue require an invasive surgical procedure that requires the horse to be sedated. This can result in hazardous conditions for the horse and staff during and after the procedure.


When and how do you collect the cord blood stem cells?
The collection process takes place after delivery of the foal when the cord has been separated and in no way interferes with the birth. The blood is collected by the attending veterinarian or staff member using EquStem's collection kit. The collected cord blood is then delivered to our laboratory for testing, processing, and storage in a cryogenic freezer.


How safe is this for the foal?
The first priority is the care and well being of the mare and the foal. The procedure is very safe because the blood is collected after the umbilical cord and placenta have separated from the mare and the foal. Neither the mare or the foal will experience any discomfort or adverse affects.


What injuries could be helped / healed through the transplantation of these cells?
A number of significant injuries have the possibility of being healed with this new technology. Ligament, tendon and joint injuries as well as bone fractures may be healed and brought back to original functionality with this procedure.


Can I use my foal's stem cells for another horse?
Currently, no. A horse's stem cells are to be used only for that horse. This is to ensure that the immune system does not reject the stem cells and result in graft vs. host disease, which can be fatal. In the future, as technology progresses, the possibility of using theses stem cells for other horses may be possible.


How long can these cells be stored and still be useable?
Research suggests that these cells may last indefinitely.


When should the application be completed?
We prefer that you contact us at least four weeks prior to your horse's delivery date. This will allow you to review the materials and ask questions with sufficient time.


Are the veterinarians / technicians that my barn uses familiar with the collection process?
After you enroll in the EquStem program, you should discuss the process with your veterinarian. EquStem will provide training in the proper collection process.


After the foal has been delivered and the procedure of collecting the cells has been completed, how do the cells get delivered to the EquStem processing laboratory?
A courier will provide shipment of the collected cord blood unit to the EquStem processing center via Federal Express.


What steps do I have to take to become registered in this program?
To utilize the services of EquStem, complete the registration form and the consent form. Call EquStem at (201) 490-5445 for paperwork and information.