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STEM CELL THERAPY IS NOW A REALITY IN DOGS |
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Stem cells are simply cells in the body that can change into various cell types and also aid in healing. Everyone has stem cells and a company out of California has taken advantage of this knowledge. The company is Vet-Stem and is based in San Diego.
At this time, the company has developed a system in which stem cells from a dog are obtained and concentrated from the dog’s own adipose (fat) tissue. Thus, these are not embryonic stem cells but adult stem cells since they are not derived from an embryo. The concentrated cells are then injected into an arthritic joint of the same dog, usually the hip, elbow, or shoulder. Within 3 months, the patient is much more comfortable and active as a result.
The procedure is quite simple. Once a veterinarian establishes a diagnosis of arthritis in a joint of a dog and it is determined that it is causing the patient major pain and a decreased quality of life, that dog becomes a candidate for the procedure. Under general anesthetic, adipose tissue is harvested from just under the skin or from the abdomen of the dog. The adipose tissue is then sent overnight to Vet-Stem’s laboratory where the stem cells are isolated and sent back to the veterinarian the next day. The veterinarian then injects the cells into the arthritic joint.
The results have been very good. At a cost of $2,000.00 it may seem very expensive but compared to a total hip replacement, it is quite economic. At this time, Vet-Stem is developing other uses for their technology and one day veterinarians may be using stem cells to heal diseased organs in their patients.
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