Stem Cell Therapy
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Regenerative cells promote healing and regeneration of injured ordamaged tissue. Stem cells are regenerative cells that can differentiateinto multiple cell types to form new functional tissue. Regenerative cells may also secrete factors that reduce autoimmune responses and inflammation, promote cell survival, and stimulate tissue regeneration. Researchdone over the last decade has shown remarkable results with the use of stemcell therapy in treatingosteoarthritis, as well as aiding in the recovery of dogs that have undergone an orthopedic surgical procedure. The procedure is completed same-day, and is performed using a small sample of your dog's abdominal adipose (fat) tissue.
The Adipose Stem Cell procedure has been used successfully on many Dogs, Cats and Horses for the treatment of osteoarthritis and bone and ligament injuries both here in the United States and overseas.
This procedure is now available here in Seattle by Mayo Veterinary Services. In fact, we arethe only mobile veterinary practice in Seattle to offer this groundbreaking, totally "in house" therapy.
Stem Cell Procedure can be an alternative to:
Frequently Asked Questions
First of all you'll need to understand what stem cells are and what they actually do. Stem cells are special in that they can differentiate into many different types of tissue including muscle, nerve, cartilage, bone,fat, liver, and so on. They occur naturally in the body and are drawn to areas which are damaged. They then quickly act to repair the damaged tissue. Studies have shown that these stem cells help repair damaged cartilage and bone tissue, decrease inflammation (and pain), heal damaged cells, prevent further cell deterioration, and promote active tissue regeneration.
Unlike the stem cell therapy that has been used in human medicine for many years - this new technology uses only adult stem cells harvested from the pet's own body. This means no fetal cells are involved so no ethical or moral values are at stake.
It's a completely natural therapy - just the body healing itself with a little help from modern technology.
It has been discovered that "dormant" stem cells are found in large quantities in body fat.
First, we harvest these "dormant" stem cells by removing around 10 grams of fat from your pet's body through a small incision in the abdomen. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes around 15 minutes. We also take a sample of your pet's blood to harvest the platelet rich plasma, which is then added to the stem cell sample. For more information on platelet rich plasma, seethe tab labeled Platelet Enhanced Therapy. This sample then undergoes a series of patented processing steps in our "in house" laboratory until a final concentrated suspension of of activated stem cells is obtained. Portions of this final suspension are then injected back into your pets' painful joints or bloodstream to ensure maximum potency. This final step is performed under sedation or short general anesthesia, depending on the individual case. Because the whole laboratory process is performed in house, the whole procedure is completed in just one day.
So far, many thousands of dogs, cats and horses worldwide have received the Adipose Stem Cell treatment and studies have shown that 80% of dogs showed an improved quality of life. Some dogs treated in the clinical trials were able to completely give up their daily non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID)medications, and many others were able to reduce their daily dose just 90 days after treatment:
Owners have reported:
At the moment, Stem Cell Therapy is limited to arthritis and damage to orthopedic soft tissue damage (joints, ligaments, cartilage, tendons) and fractures. We are using it for other purposes on a limited basis, to include urinary incontinence, allergies, kidney failure, and some liver disease. We are also treating Degenerative Myelopathy in some dogs.
Stem cell therapy is not suitable for cancer patients or patients with active infections.
No. All patients must undergo a thorough screening process for suitability. This generally involves X-Rays of the affected joints, abdominal and chest area (to rule out tumors) as well as blood tests (to rule out any other underlying disease).
No. Stem Cell therapy is not a"cure-all" for all bone and soft tissue damage. Results between individual cases will vary. Its effectiveness as a therapy has only been highlighted through thousands of reports on pets having undergone the procedure.
We can only rely on the data obtained through documented case studies to support the procedure. An old dog with arthritis can't become a puppy again, but we hope to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by the disease,thereby providing better quality of life. We also expect greater mobility and less reliance on medications after the procedure.
There are risks involved with any anesthetic procedure, and it is important to talk with your veterinarian about theseprior toscheduling any surgery. Beyond the potential anesthetic risk, there is very minimal risk involved in this procedure. First of all, the surgery and all laboratory processing is performed under strict aseptic conditions so there's little risk of infection. Secondly, all injected cells come from your own pet so there is no rejection by the body. Finally - the stem cells harvested from your pet are not modified in any way. They are simply activated so that they can do the job nature has intended for them.
Rest is important for 30 days following the procedure, combined with limited exercise and some physical therapy which you can easily do at home. Your vet will explain details of the aftercare, includingthe necessary progress checks. Stem cell treatment is an exciting technological breakthrough for humans and animals alike, and we are just now beginning to discover its many benefits.
If you believe your pet may be a candidate for Stem Cell treatment, please contact us to arrange an initial consultation to discuss your pets' suitability and for us to answer any further questions you may have.
Stem cell preparation requires a short surgical procedure in which Dr. Mayo will harvest a small amount of fat from your dog's abdomen. Then, in about 90 minutes,he will prepare the stem cells for injection into the proposed treatment area. The costs are much cheaper than they havehistorically been, and the procedure is performed in one visit to the doctor's office.
For more information on stem cell therapy, please call Dr. Mayo at 425-967-7999.
Read more from the original source:
Stem Cell Therapy - Mayo Veterinary Services