- Stem cell therapy has been at the center of many heated debates for years, with some being adamantly opposed to it, and others seeing its potential benefits. These debates have included the use of this technology for the treatment for both humans and animals. The two basic types of cells include adult and embryonic, with the latter offering the most healing benefit, but coming under the most fire due to moral and ethical concerns. Adult stem cell therapy, however, uses the animals’ own cells harvested from their fat tissue and reinserted back into the areas in need of healing.
- What can Stem Cell Therapy Treat?
- Osteoarthritis and ligament injuries in a variety of dogs, cats, equines and exotics are the main focus of the treatment. If your pet has physical deformities, or has injured certain ligaments, or suffers from osteoarthritis treatment with stem cells may be a viable option for him or her. In fact, ongoing research is even finding success in this method treating other areas of the body. A once energetic and athletic dog could be sidelined due to an injury in the ligaments or certain muscles, and age can degenerate the joints in the body to the point that osteoarthritis becomes painful and reduces movement drastically. In these cases, many people are starting to inquire about the procedure at their local Chicago animal hospital to see if it may be a suitable treatment option for their pet.
The Harvesting and Treatment Process
While the embryonic method is extremely debated as being unethical due to it being used on placentas and viable embryos, the cells produced in the adult animal body can be harvested quickly and easily in a process that is less invasive than a neuter or spay! Cells are taken from fat deposits, also called adipose, around the shoulders or in the abdomen, which includes up to 1,000 times more stem cells than what is contained in the bone marrow. This means a tiny sample can hold more than enough cells to start the treatment process in the injured areas. Pet parents start noticing changes in their pet within 30 days, such as more mobility, an easier time getting up and down stairs, and more. While the treatment won’t turn your aged dog into a rambunctious puppy, it can definitely ease their pain and improve mobility in just a few months.
If your pet has physical limitations from osteoarthritis, stem cell therapy from a Chicago animal hospital could help. Contact Metropolitan Veterinarian Center for more information today!
