Mesenchymal stem cells can be collected from your pet and re-injected into affected joints or tendons after culture/expansion at a specialised laboratory. We commonly use stem cell therapy for patients which are not, or have stopped, responding to conventional treatment e.g. patients with osteoarthritis or tendinopathies.
There is currently an array of studies available which support the use of stem cell therapy although we still require more information on the standardisation of treatment protocols (dose, frequency etc). Research is still ongoing as it is a developing medicine.
Mechanisms of Action:
- Differentiation: They can differentiate into specialized cell types, such as bone or cartilage contributing to tissue repair.
- Immunomodulation: MSCs have immunomodulatory properties, helping to regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation thus reducing further cartilage breakdown.
- Secretion of Bioactive Molecules: They release growth factors, cytokines, and other signalling molecules that promote tissue regeneration.
