Stem Cell Treatment

What are stem cells? Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are cells that display self-renewal capacity and have the ability, under specific conditions, to give rise to connective tissue cells e.g. cells of bone, cartilage, tendon, and adipose tissue (fat). MSCs can be collected from a wide variety of tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord, muscle, joint capsule, and fluid.

Stem Cell Treatment

What are stem cells? Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are cells that display self-renewal capacity and have the ability, under specific conditions, to give rise to connective tissue cells e.g. cells of bone, cartilage, tendon, and adipose tissue (fat). MSCs can be collected from a wide variety of tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord, muscle, joint capsule, and fluid.

Mesenchymal stem cells can be considered in 3 categories depending on the donor source and recipient. These categories are autologous (the patient receives its own MSCs), allogenic (the patient receives MSCs from a donor of the same species), and xenogenic (the patient receives MSCs from a donor of a different species). Mesenchymal stem cells are considered ‘immune-privileged’ which allows the safe and effective use of allogenic and xenogenic treatments.

What type of stem cells do we use?

We use xenogenic mesenchymal stem cells harvested from equine (horse) umbilical cord. Umbilical cord stem cells are considered the best source of MSCs since they have a greater capacity for proliferation, a greater immunomodulating capacity and a more secure profile with fewer risks of cell mutations. It is almost impossible to obtain canine (dog) umbilical stem cells as the bitch instinctively ingests the placenta and umbilical cords soon after birth. Equine umbilical cord is a great option since the mare does not instinctively ingest it, and it is discarded after birth. This allows for a sustainable, practical and ethical source of stem cells.

Radiology reporting at Coast Vets

Articular cartilage damage and osteoarthritis are common orthopaedic conditions in dogs. Once damaged, articular cartilage seldom undergoes spontaneous repair, and the damage can progress to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can be a long-standing and painful condition.

Equine umbilical stem cell (DogStem) is licensed for the treatment of all stages of hip and elbow osteoarthritis in dogs that are over 1 year of age. It is appropriate for use in dogs with early-stage osteoarthritis and as part of a management regime when combined with other drugs and lifestyle adaptations, for those with more advanced osteoarthritis.

Traditional stem cell therapies have used autologous stem cells which are harvested from the patient, requiring an additional procedure performed under general anaesthesia. This is invasive and can add significant costs to the treatment. The use of equine umbilical stem cells avoids the need for this extra procedure and associated costs.

The mechanisms of action are not clearly understood, although there is evidence to suggest that stem cells can alleviate discomfort and improve mobility through:

  • Immunomodulation, by transforming the joint environment from inflammatory to non-inflammatory.
  • Anti-inflammatory actions and targeting of pain and inflammation.

Stem cell treatment is a relatively new treatment in dogs with osteoarthritis and studies have shown encouraging evidence that it can reduce pain and lameness. It can be an effective alternative to medical treatment especially where that treatment isn’t well tolerated or isn’t particularly effective or can be used alongside other more conventional treatments. The stem cells start to work immediately although it may take several weeks, and up to twelve weeks in some patients, to see an improvement. Studies have shown that over 60% of dogs have an objective improvement in the use of the affected leg eight weeks after treatment and that the effects of treatment last longer than 6 months in nearly 60% of animals.

We order the equine stem cells from the laboratory, and they are stored securely in a fridge at our clinic. We arrange for you to bring your pet to the clinic at a convenient time so that the cells can be safely injected into the affected joint; this requires your pet to have sedation. They can typically return home again a few hours after the procedure.

If you have any questions about this treatment, then please get in touch.