The goal of the Canine Comparative Orthopedics & Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory (CCOCTL) is to advance the field of canine
orthopedics and stem cell therapy for the mutual benefit of veterinary and human orthopedic patients.

Canine Comparative Orthopedics & Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory Logo

Founded in 2010, the lab is located in the Veterinary Medical Research Building, adjacent to the Small Animal Teaching Hospital. The lab is active in the areas of clinical orthopedics, biomechanics, stem cell biology, cartilage and bone tissue engineering.

W. Brian Saunders, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVS is the laboratory director and is an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences. Dr. Saunders is one of four faculty members assigned to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital’s (VMTH) Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery Service. He serves at the service chief for the group. His clinical interests include arthroscopy, total joint replacement, advanced diagnosis and treatment of limb deformities, minimally invasive fracture repair, development of improved treatment options for osteochondrosis, and use of tissue engineering solutions for the treatment of orthopedic disorders in dogs.

The lab contributes to the education of veterinary students, graduate students, interns, and residents through both the basic science and clinical projects.  A number of important collaborations have been developed between the CCOCTL and other scientists within the Texas A&M System, as well as with veterinary surgeons and research scientists throughout the U.S.

The lab is funded by both intramural and extramural funding sources, and through gifts to the Bone & Joint Fund, a Texas A&M Foundation fund established to support the clinical research efforts of the lab.

For additional questions regarding the lab’s mission, current work, or future collaborative opportunities, please contact us via email or by phone at (979) 845-2351.