The field of equine veterinary practice is in an ever-evolving state, requiring current technologies to be constantly evaluated for new applications. The field of molecular biology is already integrated into equine practice for use in blood typing, identification of Salmonella species from fecal samples, detecting bovine papillomavirus types 1 and 2 in sarcoids, specific strains of equine herpesvi-ruses, and virulence factors associated with Rhodococcus equi, to cite a few examples. The specific useof gene therapy in the horse is a novel application. The purpose of this review article is to help familiarize the equine practitioner with the concept of gene therapy, and introduce its utility as well as potential future benefits for the equine industry in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
展开▼
