Stem cells injected in horses

What's believed to be Canada's first stem-cell treatment for horses has been conducted in southern Alberta.

Veterinarians at the Alberta Equine Hospital in Stavely, 80 km south of Calgary, have implanted stem cells into five horses suffering from leg joint problems last Thursday.

It came after a long battle with federal officials to allow passage of the stem-cell material -- donated from the patient horses themselves -- back over the border after it's sent for processing in a San Diego lab, said Dr. Andy Guccione.

"Just being able to bring this therapy into Canada is a huge thing," said Guccione.

Equine stem cells are taken from fat in the head of the horse's tail and implanted into the treated area.

Guccione said the process has proven successful in the U.S. and appears to already be working on his four-legged patients by regenerating their joint tissue.

For now, Guccione said he's only able to perform the therapy under a temporary permit.

The treatments will probably cost about $3,500 each.