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Learning Research Service Volunteer Engagement

The overall research goal of the Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory (CORL) at the AVC is to promote the health of athletic animals with musculoskeletal injuries. Two SJDAWC-funded projects helped Dr. McDuffee move toward this goal. Through the project, A model for bone healing in the horse, isolation of bone cells from bone tissue was evaluated. Results from the initial study provided data that subsequently assisted Dr. McDuffee in obtaining further research funding from the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) (Cell based strategy to promote bone healing).

In another SJDAWC-funded project, (Skeletal muscle as a source of bone and cartilage cells to improve healing in the horse), Dr. McDuffee’s team is investigating muscle as a donor tissue source. Muscle provides results similar to that of periosteum, but is harvested with easier techniques, has fewer problems with healing, and may be an important source for animals such as small dogs with minimal periosteum available on their small bones.

The CORL now includes two laboratories, a full-time research technician, and a part-time service technician. In 2009, ACOA announced funding ($2.1 million) towards a $3.2 million project for the CORL through its Atlantic Innovation Fund. Matching funds towards this four-year project will be obtained from various tri-council funding agencies (Stem Cell Network, NSERC), the industry partner (VetCell), and the province’s Island Prosperity Plan. The result of this four-year project will be three commercial cell-based therapies, one for horses and two for dogs.

In addition, the AVC, through the CORL, is a partner with a commercial company, VetCell, a world leader in veterinary stem cell therapies. The CORL provides the laboratory and expertise as VetCell, Canada for all veterinarians and horse owners in Canada. This partnership has brought equine stem cell technology for regeneration of tendons and ligaments to Canada for Canadian horses carrying out all types of athletic performance. This partnership started in December 2007, and a new business plan is in place to further promote the availability of the stem cell therapy in Canada.