At our Grove Dean clinic, we offer stem cell therapy for dogs and cats suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) and other degenerative joint diseases. The latest research in veterinary medicine suggests that stem cell injections reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are unspecialised precourse (early) cells. They found in most adult pet’s tissues such as intestines, fat and bone marrow. Stem cells are unique because they have regenerative abilities and they give rise to a specialized cell types.
How stem cells work in the arthritic joint?
Stem cells are the most powerful tools in treating many diseases including osteoarthritis and joint degenerative diseases. This treatment goes beyond conventional methods (open joint surgery, arthroscopy, NSAID's etc) to repair disease-related damage.
When stem cells are introduced in the arthritic or damaged joint they repair the damaged tissue. The process is called tissue regeneration.
What happens if you choose stem cell therapy for your pet?
During initial appointment our vets perform full clinical examination of your pet, also discuss what further diagnostic tests are required. Very often pets can have other underlying diseases such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, Cushing's disease, heart and liver problems. It's very important ensure that all underlying diseases are managed prior stem cell therapy.
In order to isolate stem cells, vets have to collect a small amount of fat from inguinal area and take a blood sample. This a straight forward surgery usually done under general anaesthetic.
The fatty tissue and blood sample send to the lab where using state-of-the-art technology stem cells isolated and harvested.
In the lab stem cells will be tested to ensure they are safe and healthy. The whole process takes 2-3 weeks. Once the stem cells are received from the lab (usually by special delivery packaged in dry ice) vets can inject the tailored stem cell treatment into the effected joints of your pet.
Your pet will require to be rested for 2-3 days, and afterwards can resume to normal activities.
Contact our Grove Dean branch for further information.