Amazing Stem Cell Therapies for Pets

by Dr. Chris

July 25, 2010 Stem cells have quickly found their way out of theoretical science into everyday uses for cats and dogs. Just some of the conditions that can be treated in pets include canine osteoarthritis, of the hip, elbow, knee, and shoulder; canine immune mediated poly-arthritis; tendon and ligament injuries; and surgical repair of joints and ligaments.

When to Use Pet Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cells can be used when pets are not responding well to current therapies, if they're not a good surgical candidate because of their health or age, if their arthritis is in one or more joints, or if they have immune mediated poly arthritis. Also if they would likely suffer from chronic pain after the procedure, or if the owners prefer a natural treatment.

Sources of Pet Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells from FAT, not embryos, are what is taken from your pet and then reimplanted into them 48 hours later after the cells are processed.

Vet-Stem

One of the leading companies in this field is called Vet-Stem. They offer accreditation courses for veterinarians who wish to use stem cells. Vet-Stem is located in San Diego, Ca.

Currently fat cells are harvested from the pet and then uniquely processed by Vet-Stem and then shipped back to the veterinary clinic where they are injected back into the pet (autologous transplant).

Proposed Future Uses of Stem Cells

Heart, liver, kidney, neurologic, and immune mediated diseases are candidates for future use of stem cells.

Even horse problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disases (COPD) and laminitis could soon be treated with stem cells.

Current Uses of Stem Cells in Horses

Tendon and ligament injures
Osteoarthritis
Bone cysts
Fractures
Meniscal injures

To learn more about Vet-Stem visit their website at: Pet Stem Cells

To read more blog posts go here: Veterinary Blog

To sign up for my newsletter go here: Veterinary Newsletter