Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Stem cell injection for chronic elbow arthritis in dogs helps limb
By Kim, Stanley E et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2019·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Intra-Articular Umbilical Cord Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Chronic Elbow Osteoarthritis in Dogs: A Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with chronic elbow osteoarthritis received either a special treatment using umbilical cord-derived stem cells or a saline placebo injection to see which would help reduce their limping and pain. The dogs treated with stem cells showed better improvement in their pain levels and overall quality of life compared to those who received the placebo, especially noticeable at one and six months after treatment. While both groups did not show significant changes in their walking force, many owners reported their dogs were more comfortable and active after the stem cell therapy.
People also search for: dog elbow arthritis treatment · stem cell therapy for dogs · why is my dog limping · dog pain relief options · chronic osteoarthritis in dogs
Abstract
Intra-articular stem cell therapy may help alleviate lameness caused by osteoarthritis in dogs. Umbilical cord-derived stem cell (UMSC) therapy has not yet been investigated in a veterinary clinical study. We hypothesized that dogs treated with intra-articular UMSC will have improved limb function and quality of life when compared to dogs treated with a saline placebo injection.This was a prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial in client-owned dogs with chronic elbow osteoarthritis with a follow-up time of 6 months. Dogs were assigned to receive intra-articular UMSC (= 38) or a saline placebo intra-articular injection (= 30). Outcome measures included the Canine Brief Pain Inventory score (CBPI) and peak vertical force (PVF) from force-platform gait analysis. Treatment was considered successful when there was a decrease in the Pain Severity Score of at least one and a decrease in the Pain Interference Score of at least one from baseline. Success rates and PVF were compared between groups.No adverse effects associated with UMSC were noted. Of the dogs completing the study, treatment success in the UMSC (= 28) vs. placebo groups (= 23) was observed in 54 vs. 28% of dogs at 1 month, 50 vs. 27% at 3 months, and 46 vs. 14% at 6 months, respectively. Success rate in the UMSC group was significantly higher than the placebo group at 1 and 6 months after treatment. However, no differences in PVF of the affected limb over time was observed in either group.Intra-articular UMSC for osteoarthritis may improve clinical signs based on owner observations.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31921927/