Stem cell therapy
Stem cell therapy can be used to help aid joint, tendon and ligament injuries. I feel this therapy is under-used in the veterinary sector and could benefit the lives of many dogs, horses and other animals.
Recently one of my clients has decided to opt for stem cell therapy with Newgrange Vets for their dog to help with osteoarthritis within the elbow. Since his treatment we have been doing supportive physiotherapy to aid in the development of supportive muscles and to improve range of motion. I am excited to see how he progresses with treatment and I have suggested this therapy to several of my other clients. Wouldn’t it be better to find a treatment that directly impacts the effected tissue rather than masks the overall pain of the animal? NSAIDs are very useful in pain management however they are often opted for before alternative treatment is tried.
What are stem cells?
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are “adult” or tissue-resident stem cells which can differentiate into several specialised cell types, such as chrondocytes (cartilage cells), osteoblasts (bone cells) and adipocytes (fat cells). These MSCs are found within the body and naturally assist with tissue function and regeneration, specifically following injuries. MSCs can be found in many tissues such as umbilical cord blood, bone marrow and adipose tissue. Stem cells can be harvested from your own dogs fat cells and are then ready for use in up to 30 days.
How does stem cell therapy work?
Often your dog will require an x-ray or scan to see where the joint, tendon or ligament is damaged so the veterinarian can treat the targeted area. Harvesting of stem cells is then often performed from your own dog from their adipose tissue under a short anaesthetic. These stem cells are then injected into the effected joint, tendon or ligament to aid the healing process. In the case of a dog who has arthritis, stem cells are injected into the joint to become new cartilage which helps to reduce pain and improve mobility.
Benefits of stem cells are:
Aid in generating new tissue
Improve growth factors
Contribute to extracellular matrix to support the joint
Promote new blood vessels
Reduce anti-apoptosis (cell death)
Provide an anti-inflammatory response
Prevents fibrous deposits in the joints which reduce joint fluidity
Help to regenerate injured/diseased tissue via cell differentiation, and in the modulation of signalling pathways via cytokines and resident stem cell activation.
The underlying mechanism to this treatment is still being researched today however current research suggests that the benefits of stem cells originate from their immunomodulatory properties. Some research also supports the stem cells providing a regeneration of tissues, however further research is needed to understand this process.
How long do the effects of stem cell therapy work?
The longevity of stem cell therapy varies between each case. The vast majority of dogs only require one treatment. Cryopreservation can be performed on your dogs harvested stem cels which means that additional treatment can be performed in the future if required. The RVC suggests that for dogs with arthritis a repeat treatment can be beneficial 6-12months after initial treatment however once again this depends on each individual case.
Will stem cell therapy completely stop arthritis?
Stem cell therapy helps to slow the progression of arthritis to help improve comfort in the joint, reduce pain and in effect improve quality of life for the animal. Early treatment is essential followed by supportive veterinary physiotherapy. There is no definitive cure for arthritis however by reducing the inflammation in the joint and improving the cartilage the animal will often show less signs of lameness and be more comfortable. In a study investigating the use of MSCs in canine osteoarthritis it reported that 83% of dogs improved and retained improvement in lameness 4-5 years post injection.
Is stem cell therapy covered under insurance?
Most insurance companies will cover stem cell therapy however it is always important to check with your individual policy. Most insurance companies will cover physiotherapy.
Is stem cell therapy appropriate for all cases?
Every animal is an individual and every case should be treated as such. There are many other different treatment options for all animals such as PRP therapy, Arthrimid, Joint fluid replacement therapy, Laser therapy, NSAIDS, Steroids, acupuncture and many more options often used in conjunction to achieve the best outcome. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on a case-by-case basis. I would always suggest a second opinion if you feel your animal could benefit from an alternative treatment that your veterinarian practice may not offer. At Newgrange Vets based near Car Colston, most alternative treatments are offered such as stem cell therapy.
Contact Newgrange Vets here: https://newgrangevets.co.uk
References/further reading:
https://www.rvc.ac.uk/small-animal-vet/specialist-referrals/advanced-techniques/stem-cell-clinic
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7438407/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jcp.28348
