Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy

Regenerative stem cell therapy uses cells in a dog or cat’s own fat tissue to help regenerate cartilage and other tissues in addition to providing significant pain relief essentially aiding the body to heal itself.

This process requires a short general anesthesia to extract a small amount of fat from just under the skin. The fat is then processed by a stem cell therapy laboratory. Two days after the surgery, pets are sedated for injection of the regenerative cells directly into the joints or, in some cases, via IV. Recent data indicates tremendous improvement in pain and function in dogs whose elbows, knees or hips have been injected with these stem cells.

We are proud to have been a pioneer in offering this exciting therapy and have had our work featured in local and national media outlets. Moreover, our doctors and staff have been called on to provide training for other veterinarians pursuing certification in this therapeutic technique.

Stem-Cell Treatments for Pets“, Time Magazine/CNN.

ARTHRAMID® VET

What is ARTHRAMID® VET?

Arthramid Vet is a transparent, polyacrylamide hydrogel consisting of 97.5% sterile water and 2.5% polyacrylamide. This combination results in a gel similar to hyaluronic acid gel, but remains in place longer and is non-degradable for at least 10 years after injection in humans. Arthramid Vet is elastic and viscous, thus is perfectly suited for intra-articular injections in animals

Why use ARTHRAMID® VET?

Osteoarthritis can be caused by traumatic injury to the joints or by usual wear and tear. Its occurrence is based on a variety of complex biochemical mechanisms taking place within the joint. When a joint becomes inflamed, it becomes painful and mobility is gradually reduced, causing lameness. Once the process begins, it progresses slowly over time. Today, osteoarthritis is being treated with a variety of non-surgical methods aimed at removing the signs of osteoarthritis but do not effectively address the original cause of the condition.

How does ARTHRAMID® VET work?

Studies have shown that Arthramid Vet integrates within the surrounding tissue through a combination of vessel in-growth and a continuous dynamic exchange of water. It causes a cushion-like effect in the joint, thus allowing preservation of the joint cartilage and regeneration of the underlying damaged joint cartilage and soft tissues.

ARTHRAMID® VET The Process

The procedure of injecting the Arthramid Vet hydrogel into your pet’s affected joint(s) is considered very safe. Your pet will be given a light sedative through an IV catheter to minimize stress and discomfort. The area around the joint will be clipped and aseptically prepared for sterile injection. The actual procedure of injecting the joint itself takes only seconds. After the injection, your pet’s sedation will be reversed and your pet will be ready to go home the same day.

What happens after the ARTHRAMID® VET injection?

We recommend 7 days of rest with only moderate exercise. We ask that you gradually increase controlled activity over the next few weeks. Results are generally seen 2-3 weeks after the injection and noticeable benefits can last up to 8-12 months according to clinical experience. In theory, positive effects may last for years.

ARTHRAMID® VET – Safety Profile

Currently, the polyacrylamide hydrogel technology is used for facial and body contouring in humans and for the treatment of female urinary incontinence. There have been in vitro and in vivo studies performed as well as clinical trials. Approximately a quarter of a million patients have been treated with this technology worldwide. The data show that the polyacrylamide gel is well tolerated by patients with no systemic effects and minimal local adverse reactions being bacterial infections, which can easily be treated with appropriate antibiotics.

HYALURONIC ACID (HA) Joint Injections

Hyaluronic acid is the most abundant lubricant in the body, predominant in joints, muscle, and skin. Arthritic joints make inferior HA and break down good HA more quickly than normal. When patients do not respond as desired to oral HA, therapy can be escalated to include intravenous injections and injections directly into the joint (Legend®).