Another exciting new alternative for treating dogs with arthritis is the use of adult stem cells. The mention of stem cells often creates an emotional response and a political reaction. However, in the dog, we are actually collecting adult stem from the patient who will ultimately receive his own stem cells back. In essence, the donor becomes the recipient.

New data on stem cells

We have found that the origin of the stem cell is not important, but instead the environment the cells are placed in. In other words, we can harvest or collect stem cells from one area of the body, such as fat, and place them in the joint creating new cartilage cells.

Regenerative stem cell therapy in the dog

Stem cell therapy involves the collection of fat sample from the patient. The sample is either collected from the shoulder fat pad or from groin area. This sample is processed and sent to a stem cell laboratory. The stem cells are harvested from the sample creating a concentrated volume of stem cells. This concentrated mass of stem cells are returned to us. Once the sample is received back, the cells are injected into the problem joints.

Results of regenerative stem cell therapy

Based on data collected by Vet-Stem, the laboratory processing these samples, seventy-five percent of the dogs show improved quality of life. While this still leaves a twenty-five percent failure rate, we must remember the vast majority of the dogs receiving regenerative stem cell therapy are patients who have failed to respond to other therapy, and because of pain were suffering and headed for euthanasia. Regenerative stem cell therapy has given these patients a new improved quality of life.

Who is a candidate for stem cell therapy?

Any patient suffering from arthritis may receive stem cell therapy. However, due to the need to collect a surgical sample and the cost involved, regenerative stem cell therapy is generally reserved for those patients that have failed to respond to other forms of therapy, including laser therapy.

Advantages

• Reduces pain and suffering, providing an improved quality of life
• Prevents euthanasia of a special friend

Disadvantages

• Minor surgical procedure
• Cost