How Could Stem Cells Be Used In Veterinary Medicine For Dogs and Cats?

One of the biggest subjects in the medical field is the use and efficacy of stem cells when being used as a treatment for a wide range of diseases and ailments. These studies have concluded that stem cell therapy is helpful for treating humans and animals (horses, camels, dogs, cats, falcons, dolphins, etc.) with conditions like cancer, leukemia, joint conditions, neurological diseases, and other similar problems. The use of stem cells is also gaining popularity in many fields of veterinary medicine, especially among treatments for dogs and cats.

The best way to describe stem cells is as the cellular type in the body that is able to renew, multiply, regenerate, repair, and restore damaged or aged tissues overtime via the process of cell division. As a result, they are capable of healing various conditions or even replacing certain damaged structures such as skin (grafts and in certain cases, organs). These unique properties make the stem cells a great tool for veterinarians to treat several conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendinitis, ligaments rupture or tear, heart and ophthalmic conditions, etc.

A general consultation and a good diagnosis are essential before considering stem cell therapy or any other regenerative medicine treatment for your dog. Here are three conditions that stem cells can heal in dogs.

Osteoarthritis

One of the most concerning conditions among many senior dogs is osteoarthritis. As the name suggests, it is an inflammatory disease affecting the bones and joints in which the animal experiences inflammation and subsequent degeneration due to aging, injuries, and other factors. Failure to treat it often results in the disintegration of the cushioning for their joints (meniscae and joint cartilage), affecting their overall mobility.

The good news? Osteoarthritis among dogs can be treated by injecting their stem cells into the affected area, i.e., their joints. Dogs remain under anesthesia throughout the process.

Bone Injuries

There are several ways to tell if your dog is struggling with a broken, damaged or injured bone. Pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility are the most common signs among dogs and cats. Fortunately, stem cell therapy is an effective, proven treatment option for this disease.

Dry Eyes and Corneal Ulcers

Other alarming conditions among many dogs and cats today are dry eye and corneal ulcers. Unlike other preventative diseases, dry eye might require comprehensive treatments and long-term medication. Veterinary doctors aim to prevent itching and soreness in the dogs’ cornea and ensure that the infection doesn’t happen again.

This is also achieved using stem cell therapy. Several research papers have shown the efficacy of this therapy in conjunction with PrP (platelets rich plasma).

For more information, connect with the veterinary team at Pet Pavilion. It’s one of the best places to get osteopathy for pets in Abu Dhabi, along with other treatments such as ultrasound, hydrotherapy, regenerative medicine treatments, x-ray, and more. Contact us to learn more today!

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