A new stem cell website has launched following a clinical study on autologous mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) treatment for chronic degenerative musculoskeletal conditions in dogs, led by Andrew Armitage, clinical director at Greenside Veterinary Practice.
Published in the open access peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science this year, the research is the first to use real-world data to demonstrate how cell-based therapies can help patients suffering from chronic degenerative musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Andrew said: “Regenerative medicine using MSCs, which have the capacity to self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types, has increasingly emerged as an effective treatment for musculoskeletal diseases.
“Our research focused on 245 dogs who were treated with MSCs between September 2017 and May 2021.
“We found statistically significant improvements across a range of objective and quality-of-life measurements for up to two years, considerably adding to the evidence supporting the use of MSCs in canine orthopaedic conditions.”
Greenside, which is part of veterinary group Linnaeus, offers regenerative medicine to patients across the UK and internationally.
Its new website provides information about services including stem cell therapy and platelet rich plasma for pet owners and the veterinary profession.
Andrew developed an interest in regenerative medicine nine years ago and has since treated a range of small animal and farm species.
“I was keen to explore this area of medicine as an alternative to long-term medication or surgery,” he added. “For patients suffering from soft tissue injuries or conditions like osteoarthritis, regenerative medicine can really help to improve their quality of life, irrespective of age or breed.”
A Spanish Water Dog, Pona, was treated with MSCs at Greenside after displaying rigid movement in several joints. She was diagnosed with generalised osteoarthritis, lumbosacral disease and spondylosis, along with bilateral Iliopsoas tendinopathy and left cruciate degeneration. Previous medical treatments and physical therapy had not improved the lameness or stiffness of her joints.
Pona was treated with autologous MSC implants at Greenside, followed by laser therapy sessions. After 18 weeks, Pona displayed no sign of stiffness or lameness.
All objective measures of weight distribution, joint range of motion, pressure algometry and gait analysis had normalised and her medication was discontinued.
Three years after her initial treatment, Pona had a successful repeat treatment last year.
Andrew’s clinical study, “Efficacy of autologous mesenchymal stromal cell treatment for chronic degenerative musculoskeletal conditions in dogs: A retrospective study”, was published with the support of the Linnaeus Open Access Publication Charge (OAPC) and statistical analysis by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute.
For more information about Greenside’s stem cell therapy, visit the new website.
