Stem cell therapy is leading the front of alternative medicine in animals just as in people.  Multiple studies have shown that the use of adult stem cells to treat arthritis in animals has been very effective.  Stem cells are cells that the body has not told what to do yet – when placed in an area in need of repair, they are able to differentiate into cells that help repair the injury (i.e. becoming cartilage cells in an arthritic joint).

It is important to understand that these are adult cells and NOT embryonic cells.  They are harvested from your dog’s own fat.  In a way, it is helping the body to help itself.

Current studies in the horse have shown that 67% of cases have return to full performance levels, 29% have had a partial return and only 5% had no response at all.  Studies in dogs are showing dramatic improvements within 1-2 months. The procedure is minimally invasive and has very few side effects because it uses the dog’s own cells.

Stem cell therapy is not for everyone, but it is a good option for animals whose pain is not being controlled adequately by conventional treatment.

Not all veterinarians are licensed to do the procedures – multiple sessions are required to learn the proper techniques and procedures for stem cell therapy. Dr. Geoff Bratton and Dr. Jennifer Parker at the Holt Veterinary Clinic have both taken the extensive sessions and are licensed to perform stem cell therapy.

For more information, contact your veterinarian or go to www.vet-stem.com