Stem cell therapies have been shown to improve clinical signs of canine OA, to promote healing in tendinopathies and improve the structural damage caused by the disease.
In canine hip OA, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has been shown to produce superior efficacy results when compared with PRP in a randomised controlled study.
The following randomised, placebo-controlled clinical study in moderate to severe canine OA was published in September 2016 by Robert Harman et al. This article describes the most robust clinical evidence to date – and demonstrates evidence of a significant clinical effect following a single injection of allogeneic, culture –expanded stem cells in moderate to severe canine OA.
Significant clinical improvements in healing have been found in dogs with shoulder tendinopathies(ST) following stem cell-PRP treatment. This protocol has been reported as promising for dogs with ST, especially those who have failed to respond to conservative management and rehabilitation therapy. Canapp et al, Sept 2016.
“Interest in MSCs is set to continue. In small animal orthopaedics at least, perhaps the most promising application is in the treatment of joint disease."
Orthopaedic veterinary specialist, Assistant Professor Karen Perry, published a review in April 2016 in which she examined extensive literature on the use of stem cell injections for degenerative joint disease.
This paper explores the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and how mesenchymal stem cells can play a role in future management strategies of this disabling condition.