Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with asthma treated by muscle injection of stem cells
By Anderson de Oliveira, Pamella et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2026·Department of Veterinary Medicine, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Intramuscular administration of mesenchymal stromal cells in a cat with asthma: case report.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 7-year-old cat with asthma was suffering from severe coughing, vomiting, and lethargy, relying heavily on corticosteroids and bronchodilators for relief. The cat received three injections of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) over three months, which led to significant improvement. After treatment, the cat no longer needed corticosteroids or bronchodilators and did not experience any asthma attacks for two years. Additionally, the cat's vomiting stopped, its appetite improved, and it gained weight. This case suggests that MSCs could be a promising alternative treatment for asthma in cats.
People also search for: cat asthma treatment · mesenchymal stromal cells for cats · why is my cat coughing · cat vomiting and lethargy · corticosteroid alternatives for cats
Abstract
Asthma is one of the most common respiratory diseases in cats and humans. Cats are the only domestic species that develop a syndrome similar to asthma in humans, characterized by type I hypersensitivity and consequent narrowing of the airways. Because of the chronic nature of the condition and the adverse effects of long-term corticosteroid use, exploring new therapeutic strategies is crucial for improving the health and well-being of affected cats. We present a novel therapeutic approach using IM mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), a delivery route not previously reported for asthma in any species. A 7-year-old cat with asthma had severe clinical signs, including coughing, apathy, vomiting, and dependence on corticosteroids and bronchodilators. The cat received 3 IM injections of 1 × 106 MSCs per kg body weight at 30-day intervals. The cat experienced lasting clinical improvement. No adverse effects were observed, and corticosteroids and bronchodilators were successfully discontinued without subsequent asthma attacks during 2-years of follow-up. Anti-emalso etics were withdrawn without recurrence of frequent vomiting, and the animal's appetite improved sufficiently to achieve a 0.6 kg weight gain. In addition, a quality-of-life questionnaire indicated substantial improvement in vitality and comfort (P < .05). This case highlights the potential of IM MSCs as an alternative treatment for asthma in cats, offering a safe and potentially effective option for minimizing corticosteroid dependence. Additional studies are warranted to confirm the therapeutic benefits and broader applicability of MSCs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41818729/