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Regenerative Medicine: Stem Cell Therapy

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Stem Cell Treatment for Your Pet!
What are stem cells?

Stem cells can come from various sources, but the two types most commonly discussed are embryonic and adipose derived (fat) stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are not used in veterinary medicine for various reasons. Adipose stem cells, however, have great promise are used for the regenerative medicine covered in this article. Adipose (fat) tissue contains numerous mesenchymal (mesodermal tissue that forms connective tissue and blood and smooth muscles) stem cells. These cells can change into other tissue cells such as bone cells, muscle cells, tendon cells, fat cells, and ligament cells. These are harvested from adult tissue from the same animal they are intended to be used in. This means they won't be rejected.

How do they work?

They bring trophic factors which are natural chemicals that stimulate healing, help reduce inflammatory processes, and help start new vessel formation (angiogenesis). They differentiate into cells that are needed. For example they form into new tendon or ligament cells when injected into a damaged tendon or ligament. These cells are drawn to the area of need and they differentiate into the type of needed cells. The cells are accompanied by PRP (platelet Rich Plasma) which contains growth factors and enzymes that decrease scar tissue and inflammation.

How is it stem cell treatment done?

First we collect fat from the pet. This requires a short ansthetic procedure as we surgically remove a small amount of fat. Blood is also collected and processed into PRP. The doctor will discuss where the fat will be removed from, but commonly it is removed either from the side near the shoulder or the inguinal (groin) area. The fat is processed along with some blood which is collected to create the stem cell separation and PRP (platelet rich plasma). This takes a few hours and several steps. Once the stem cells are prepared, they are injected into the needed joints or tendons. Extra cells can either be given intravenously or banked for future use. Banking is done off site at a storage center.

What kind of response will we see?

Initially you will see some improvement in mobility, less lameness and pain. Gradually over 3 months time the pet should see less pain and an increased ability to move around. The response is variable, but moderate improvement is expected. Some pets will be able to be taken off some of their medications. Because stem cell treatment is generally started after other treatments are exhausted, we would not expect to remove all of the pet's symptoms, but generally less lameness and pain coupled with an improved quality of life is expected. Studies have shown that the maximum improvement is not reached for approximately 3 months after the treatment. It is difficult to say how long it will last in each pet, but most pets have relief for over a year. Additional studies are ongoing and suggest the response lasts longer than that.

Is my pet a candidate for stem cell?

This is dependent on the condition your pet has and the treatments that are ongoing. We advise a consultation with the doctor to discuss your pet's case and the response we expect for your individual pet. A pre-treatment evaluation exam is necessary and blood work and screening is needed before stem cell treatment is administered. An assessment for the pet can be filled out to help decide if it is time for this treatment. Studies have shown that more that 55% of patients are either able to discontinue or reduce the medication requirements after stem cell treatment. Nearly all pets have some positive response to the treatment

If you have questions about regenerative medicine or stem cell treatment, please feel free to call us at 309-685-4707

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