Stem Cells

Stem cell therapy is relatively new in both veterinary and human medicine. However, for treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) the use of stem cells is more advanced, in particular in cats and dogs where arthritis is very common. It is estimated that 20% of dogs are suffering from OA, and globally tens of thousands of dogs have been treated with stem cells. The stem cells are injected into the joints and in successful cases the pain goes away and the pet is expected to walk again without lameness.

Stem cells are isolated from a small fat sample taken under general anaesthesia by your vet. We then isolate the stem cells from the fat sample and culture them into millions of stem cells . They are then returned to your vet for injection into the joints affected by arthritis. Some cells are stored frozen in our facility so that for any future needs we will always have them ready.

If your dog is suffering from OA and you are interested in stem cell therapy you can speak to your vet. VTB can provide stem cells to any practice in the UK. Please see below how the stem cell therapy works. It normally takes around 2 weeks to grow the stem cells to the number in millions ready for injection.