Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are “adult” or tissue-resident stem cells. These cells are multipotent, meaning they can turn into several different specialised cell types, such as cartilage cells, bone cells and fat cells.

MSCs were first found in bone marrow, but have since been detected in many different tissues, including adipose tissue (fat) and umbilical cord blood. MSCs are naturally present in the body where they help to keep tissues functioning normally and assist with tissue regeneration following injury.

Injecting stem cells into joints can reduce pain and increase limb function in dogs with osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease. Injecting stem cells into injured tendons and ligaments can also aid the healing process. Whilst we still don’t completely understand the underlying mechanisms, current research suggests that the beneficial effects of stem cell therapy are more likely to be to be via their ability to encourage improved tissue repair by the body’s own cells, rather than turning into new tendon or cartilage cells themselves.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is another biological therapy that has gained a lot of interest in recent years. PRP is prepared by filtering or centrifuging blood to obtain the platelet-rich fraction.

Platelets contain high levels of growth factors and other proteins which may be beneficial for tendon and ligament healing and the modulation of inflammation in joints. PRP is very quick and simple to prepare, which means it can be used almost instantly as a “dog-side” treatment which may be advantageous for the rapid treatment of severe injuries.

However, to date, there is more evidence to support the use of MSCs than PRP for tissue repair in.

No, we do not currently offer PRP in dogs.

Your vet can refer your dog for treatment to our specialists in the RVC Queen Mothers Hospital for Animals.

If you choose to be evaluated and treated at the RVC, you will be evaluated by leading specialists in canine orthopaedics who will manage your dog’s advanced stem cell treatment and discuss all aspects of their condition.

Alternatively, your vet can take a or fat sample themselves and send it to our laboratory at the RVC where we will prepare the cells and ship them back to your veterinary practice 2-3 weeks later to be injected.

A small sample of fat is obtained under general anaesthesia, so your dog will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.

This is a very quick and minor procedure usually carried out in one day. If it is performed in the morning then your dog will probably go home at the end of the day. If it’s carried out later in the day an overnight stay may be required.

Typically, your dog’s stem cells will then be ready to be injected into your dog 7-10 days later. This injection is performed under sedation as a day case process, usually only a few hours in total.

The recovery period for these procedures is short and your dog will likely go home the same day.

Following treatment, we usually recommend two days of rest followed by on-lead exercising for 7-10 days.

The effects of stem cell therapy can last up to eight months or longer, but again this varies between individuals.

Although extremely rare, all anaesthetics and sedations carry a very small potential risk, and there is a very small risk of infection associated with a joint injection.

All possible precautions are taken to minimise all risks.

At the RVC, only cells acquired from your dog will be injected into them (autologous therapy).

This minimises any risks of an adverse reaction. 

Stem cell therapy is covered by many pet insurance policies, but you will need to contact your insurance company to check if it is covered by your policy.

This will depend on the financial arrangements with the treating veterinarian.

The SCC will bill your veterinarian (or the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals oat the RVC if your dog is being treated there).