Stem Cell Therapy for Pets: A Revolutionary Approach to Healing

Stem cell therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment in veterinary medicine, offering new hope for pets suffering from various conditions. With the wide array of applications, stem cell therapy may be the answer to your pet’s health issue. Our Monte Vista Animal Hospital team covers the ins and outs of this innovative treatment to help you determine whether stem cell therapy is right for your pet.

What is stem cell therapy for pets?

Stem cell therapy is a regenerative medicine that uses stem cells to repair, replace, or regenerate damaged tissues. Stem cells are unique because they can develop into different types of cells such as muscle, bone, cartilage, and nerve cells. This versatility makes stem cells powerful tools in treating pets’ injuries and degenerative diseases.

How does stem cell therapy work in pets?

Stem cell therapy has an array of applications. The process of creating stem cells to be used in therapy involves several key steps:

  • Step 1: Harvesting — Stem cells are extracted from a donor source, usually the pet’s own body. Common sources include adipose (i.e., fat) tissue, bone marrow, and blood.
  • Step 2: Processing — The harvested tissue is processed in a laboratory to isolate and concentrate the stem cells. This step ensures that the cells are viable and free from contaminants.
  • Step 3: Injection — The concentrated stem cells are then injected into the affected area of the pet’s body. For example, the cells might be injected into a joint damaged by osteoarthritis or into an injured tendon.
  • Step 4: Regeneration — Once injected, the stem cells begin their work by differentiating into the required cell types and secreting growth factors that promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation. This leads to damaged tissue regeneration, improving the pet’s condition.

How our veterinarian performs the stem cell therapy procedure in pets

Stem cell therapy is an emerging veterinary medicine procedure. Our team takes many measures to ensure that your pet’s therapy is successful. Take a detailed look at what your pet will undergo during the stem cell therapy process:

  • Initial consultation — Our Monte Vista Animal Hospital veterinarian assesses your pet’s condition, reviews their medical history, and determines whether stem cell therapy is appropriate.
  • Pre-procedure testing — Blood tests and imaging may be conducted to evaluate your pet’s overall health and the specific condition being treated.
  • Stem cell harvesting — While your pet is under anesthesia, a small incision is made to collect fat tissue, typically from their abdomen. Bone marrow may also be collected using a needle.
  • Stem cell processing — The harvested tissue is sent to a lab where the stem cells are isolated and concentrated.
  • Stem cell administration — Once processed, the stem cells are injected into the affected area. This may be done under sedation or anesthesia to ensure your pet remains still and comfortable.

Conditions stem cell therapy treats in pets

Stem cell therapy has shown promise in treating a range of conditions in pets. Your pet may be a good candidate for receiving stem cell therapy if they have one of the following conditions:

  • Osteoarthritis — Stem cell therapy is most commonly administered to pets who have osteoarthritis. This therapy can reduce a pet’s pain and improve their mobility.
  • Hip dysplasia — Stem cells can help hip joint tissue regenerate, providing a pet with pain relief and improving the hip’s function.
  • Ligament and tendon injuries — Ligament and tendon injuries, such as cruciate ligament tears, may heal more effectively with stem cell treatment.
  • Spinal cord injuries — Researchers acknowledge that stem cell therapy has the potential to help repair spinal cord injuries, improving nerve function.
  • Bone fractures — Stem cells can accelerate bone fracture healing by promoting bone regeneration.
  • Chronic inflammatory conditions — Conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and autoimmune diseases, may benefit from stem cells’ anti-inflammatory properties.

How stem cell therapy benefits pets

Because stem cell therapy can be used to treat several health issues, many pets are good candidates for this treatment. Stem cell therapy is beneficial to pets for the following reasons:

  • Minimally invasive — The procedure is less invasive compared with traditional surgeries, reducing pets’ complication risks.
  • Reduced pain and inflammation — Stem cells help decrease inflammation and pain, improving a pet’s comfort and quality of life.
  • Improved mobility — Pets with joint and musculoskeletal issues often experience enhanced mobility and function after undergoing stem cell therapy.
  • Natural healing — Stem cell therapy harnesses the body’s natural healing processes, promoting tissue regeneration.
  • Potential for long-term relief — Many pets experience lasting benefits from a single treatment, although some require additional sessions.

What risks are associated with stem cell therapy for pets?

While stem cell therapy is generally safe, it is not without risks. Pets who undergo the stem cell therapy procedure can experience the following complications:

  • Infection — A pet can develop an infection at the tissue extraction and stem cell injection sites.
  • Anesthetic complications — Pets undergoing stem cell therapy may need anesthesia, which carries inherent risks, especially if they are old or medically compromised.
  • Variable outcomes — Not all pets respond to stem cell therapy, and their improvement levels vary.

While stem cell therapy is promising for many pets suffering from myriad conditions, not all pets are good candidates for the procedure. Learn whether stem cell therapy is right for your furry friend by scheduling an appointment with our Monte Vista Animal Hospital team.