Stem cell therapy

Joint injuries and arthritis are common in dogs, and up until recently treatments included surgery and medical therapies. With advancing technology, stem cell therapy could now provide great benefits.

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Stem cell therapy is used for the treatment of arthritis in dogs. A stem cell can become any type of cell and can have long lasting anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. Fat or bone marrow can be taken from your own dog can be used to isolate stem cells which are grown in large numbers (millions) in the laboratory.

Once ready, the stem cells are implanted into the arthritic joint where they can then become the type of cell required to repair that specific injury, but more importantly act to encourage the bodys own healing mechanisms to become active.

If your dog has arthritis, your veterinarian will want to discuss all the possible treatment options with you, including the benefits and risks associated with the treatment.

Due to the ongoing changes in degenerative disorders, stem cell therapy may not permanently stop the degenerative processes. However, it may provide long-term anti-inflammatory effects, decrease pain, stimulate regeneration of cartilage tissue that slows the degenerative processes, and initiate healing.

The chronic nature of degenerative disorders means that additional doses may be required depending on severity, which joint is affected and what kind of lifestyle your dog has.

Your veterinarian will take a sample of fat or bone marrow under general anesthesia. This sample is sent to a laboratory where the stem cells are prepared, and this usually takes 2-3 weeks. The cells are then returned to your veterinarian for implantation into the joint being treated.

Rehabilitation following implantation varies depending on the severity of the condition and how quickly your dog responds to the treatment. Your veterinarian will discuss a personalized rehabilitation plan with you.

Your dog will have strict rest for 48 hours after stem cell treatment. Following this, gentle walking exercise is usually started, 10 minutes 2-3 times daily on the lead. Your veterinarian will want to see you for a check-up about 4 weeks post treatment, and all being well, a gradual increase in exercise can then be implemented over the coming months with regular check-ups.

Prognosis depends on the extent of the original injury or condition, but complications are very rare.

When treating degenerative disorders, additional doses of stem cells may be required at varying intervals depending on severity and which joint is affected.