Alpine Animal Hospital

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cells are the body’s natural repair cells. They have the ability to divide and differentiate into many different types of cells based on where they are needed throughout the body. Stem cells can promote new blood flow, inhibit scarring and stimulate host cells to form new functional tissue. This therapy is used in treating arthritis, joint injuries, tendon injuries and ligament injuries in dogs, cats and horses.   The process for stem cell therapy is basic

• Stem cells are harvested from a patient's bone marrow or fat
• Samples are sent off to a lab where they are grown
• The material is sent back to our clinic on dry ice overnight
• Cells are then injected into the area in need of therapy (ie - joints)
• Patients require sedation/anesthesia to insure safe sample collection and effective administration

Results of this therapy vary from patient to patient. Some animals may experience for 1-3 years after  treatment.  Stem cells can also be banked (stored) for future use.