Healing Dogs with Their Own Cells: The Promise of Regenerative Medicine

What Exactly Are Stem Cells?

Where Do Stem Cells Come From in Dogs?

How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work?

So, how do we go from a bit of fat tissue to repaired tissue? Here’s what canine stem cell therapy can look like:

1. Collect: A small fat sample is taken from an area like the belly or shoulder area through a tiny incision.
2. Isolate: In the lab, stem cells are extracted from the fat. Thanks to their abundance in fat tissue, a therapeutic dose of stem cells can be ready in hours.
3. Inject: The cells are put directly into the problem area, like an arthritic joint or injured tendon, where they reduce inflammation, release growth factors, and help regenerate healthy tissue.

Next-Level Therapy: Priming Cells for Targeted Repair

Many stem cell therapies inject cells directly into damaged areas and let them get to work healing. Researchers are also developing ways to guide stem cells into becoming specific tissues, like cartilage or muscle, before they ever enter the body.

In Australia, Dr. Ronald Sluyter’s team at the University of Wollongong, working with the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), is exploring this approach for damaged joints. They’re studying two enzymes, CD73 and CD39, that influence adenosine, a chemical that controls the immune system and helps tissues respond to stress. By using targeted antibodies to block these enzymes, the team hopes to reduce arthritis-related inflammation.

The work is still in early stages, but could one day give vets more options to treat damaged joints. Dr. Sluyter first discovered this enzyme connection in dogs through his human medicine research, and sees promise for both species.

“Dogs are a very important part of people’s lives and the fabric of our society,” Dr. Sluyter said. “Hopefully our work can help with more diseases like cancer therapies, autoimmune conditions – inflammation is central to most diseases. We want to try to raise awareness to show that what we discover in humans can be applied to companion animals.”

Proven Benefits for Dogs Today

Regenerative therapies are already helping dogs with osteoarthritis and joint injuries. Studies show treated dogs often limp less, have less pain, and move more easily. Early research also suggests they can speed ligament healing and reduce scarring. One trial is testing stem cells for a common shoulder tendon injury in dogs, aiming to restore function without chronic pain.

Research is expanding beyond joints, too. A recent CHF-funded study used a dog’s muscle-derived regenerative cells to treat urinary incontinence (leaking urine) in female dogs that didn’t respond to standard therapies. Amazingly, it found that 14 out of 15 dogs showed significant improvement, and many remained mostly continent for at least two years.

These successes are encouraging: dogs with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, ligament tears, or incontinence may get a new lease on life thanks to their own cells. Instead of just managing pain or symptoms, we’re actually helping the body repair itself.

The Road Ahead: Unlocking the Full Potential

Regenerative medicine for pets is growing quickly, but there’s still much to learn. Researchers are working to determine the ideal cell doses, which conditions respond best, and how to make results last. They’re also testing new cell sources and ways to boost healing. However, results vary between individual dogs, so clinical trials are essential for finding what truly works. Advances in treating dogs could also pave the way for breakthroughs in human medicine.

Supporting a Healthier Future for Dogs

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) supports research in regenerative medicine for dogs thanks to generous donors. Studies on stem cells, platelet rich plasma, and other therapies will give vets new tools to develop safe, effective treatments for dogs. These advances help dogs live longer, healthier lives.

As a dog owner or donor, you play a vital role in this progress. Supporting this research helps dogs recover using their own natural healing powers. Dr. Sluyter had deep appreciation, saying, “CHF is a fabulous organization. The amount of money they raise for research, they’re absolutely wonderful.”

Regenerative medicine offers hope for healing injuries and chronic conditions in our dogs with innovative treatments. To learn more or support, visit akcchf.org.