Stem cell therapy is an all-natural approach to healing that avoids drugs’ or surgeries’ potential adverse side effects and complications. Our Central Kentucky Veterinary Center team is proud to offer MediVet’s patented stem cell procedure, and we detail this innovative treatment’s applications, benefits, and potential.

What are pet stem cells?

Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have the potential to develop into various cell types. They are different from other cells because they can divide and renew themselves over a long time. Stem cells function as an internal repair system, replacing damaged or dead tissues by dividing and developing into the needed cells. 

Adult stem cells are found in most adult pets’ tissues, such as bone marrow and fat. Adult stem cells have a more limited ability than embryonic stem cells to develop into various cells in the body, but emerging research suggests that adult pet stem cells may be able to create more cell types than first thought. 

What is pet stem cell therapy?

Stem cell therapy is a type of regenerative medicine that uses the pet’s natural ability to heal itself to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. The procedure involves placing stem cells from the pet’s body into diseased or damaged tissues, such as a torn ligament or an arthritic joint.

Our Central Kentucky Veterinary Center team uses MediVet’s patented stem cell procedure to isolate dormant adult stem cells from your pet’s fat, activate them, and inject them into the area that needs treatment. The procedure is safe but does require general anesthesia. Once the stem cells are processed, reinjection into your pet is straightforward and noninvasive.  

What conditions can be treated with pet stem cell therapy?

Clinical research into stem cells and what conditions they can treat in human and veterinary medicine is ongoing. However, the therapy is currently used in pets to treat:

  • Arthritis
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Soft tissue injuries such as cranial cruciate ligament tears and rupture
  • Bone fractures 

As pet stem cell therapy research continues, veterinarians will likely be able to use this therapy on an increasing number of conditions. In the near future, pet stem cell therapy will likely be used to treat the following conditions:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Renal failure
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Ocular disorders
  • Atopy (i.e., environmental allergies)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Cardiomyopathies

What are pet stem cell therapy benefits?

Stem cell therapy is an all-natural process that helps the body heal itself. Benefits include:

  • Reduced inflammation — Stem cells help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with various conditions.
  • Tissue regeneration — Stem cells contribute to tissue repair and regeneration, helping heal damaged tissues.
  • Improved mobility — Pets suffering from orthopedic conditions, such as arthritis, typically experience improved mobility and a better quality of life after stem cell therapy.
  • Minimized reliance on medications — In some cases, successful stem cell therapy can reduce the need for long-term medications, providing a natural approach to managing chronic conditions.

How is pet stem cell therapy performed?

The MediVet stem cell procedure allows you to take your furry pal home later in the day after treatment. The process involves:

  • Our veterinary team places your pet under anesthesia and collects about two to four tablespoons of fat either from the belly or behind the shoulder blade.
  • A highly trained veterinary technician then processes the sample to isolate and activate the adult stem cells. This typically takes about three hours.
  • Once the stem cells are ready, we inject them into the damaged areas. In addition, we also inject some stem cells intravenously. 

You can take your pet home later that same day. However, we recommend that you leash restrict them for the first 30 days after the procedure to allow the regenerative cells to facilitate the desired repair. 

How long before pet stem cell therapy shows results?

Some pets may feel better soon after treatment because of the stem cells’ natural anti-inflammatory effects. Significant improvement usually starts after about three weeks, and improvement often continues for up to two months.

How long does pet stem cell therapy provide improvement?

After receiving their initial treatment, your pet’s condition should remain improved for about one to three years. MediVet allows pet owners to bank cells to make retreatment easy.

Is pet stem cell therapy safe?

Stem cell therapy is extremely safe. The fat collection procedure is easier than a routine spay or neuter surgery and typically only takes about 15 minutes. Since the stem cells come from your pet, they have a low reaction or rejection risk. 

Is stem cell therapy contraindicated for any pets?

Stem cell therapy is not recommended for pets with cancer. Stem cell therapy can cause the cancer to worsen, grow, or spread rapidly. 

Stem cell therapy is an innovative approach to enhance pets’ well-being. If you think your pet can benefit from stem cell therapy, schedule an appointment with our Central Kentucky Veterinary Center team.