Stem Cell: Regenerative Cell Therapy

TopDog Health in conjunction with Vet-Stem is now able to offer its patients cutting edge stem cell regenerative therapy for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis.  TopDog Canine Rehabilitation and Fitness charter facility located in Meriden, Connecticut is one of only a few locations across the country to offer this break through therapy.

The stem cells are harvested from adipose (fat) tissue on the individual patient. Collection of the tissue involves a minor surgical procedure in order to collect approximately 25-30 grams of fat.  Following collection the fat is shipped overnight to the Vet-Stem laboratory in San Diego, California where under strict quality control the stem cells are extracted.  Within 48 hours the now extracted stem cells are shipped back to TopDog for placement into the patients affected joints.  Vet-Stem in addition stores any remaining stem cells for future use of that individual patient.

Since 2003, Vet-Stem has been treating horses with extraordinary success.  The initial studies showed that regenerative stem cell therapy decreased pain, and improved mobility and joint range of motion of the patients treated. 

The estimate cost for the complete regenerative therapy procedure including: initial fat harvesting, Vet-Stem cell processing, additional cell banking and the initial injections are between $2500-$3500.  Cost vary depending on the size of the patient and initial preliminary workup.

Pet owners interested in learning more about this cutting edge therapy option should call TopDog at 203-686-0880 or visit us online at www.topdoghealth.com.  You can also access more information about the process at www.Vet-Stem.com or contact them at 1-888-387-8361.

Stem Cell Regenerative Therapy:

Indications:

• Osteoarthritis
• Polyarthritis
•  Fractures
• Tendon and Ligament Injuries

 

Clinical Uses Studies in Progress:

• Immune-Mediated Diseases
• Hepatic (liver) Disease
• Renal (kidney) Disease
• Theses case must be pre-approved for treatment by Vet-Stem.

 

Pre-Requisites:

• Patients must be declared in good general health by your veterinarian within the last 6 months.
• Patient medical records are required at the time of initial consultation including any relevant X-rays.
• Patient must have current laboratory bloodwork (CBC/Chem/T4/4Dx/UA) within 2-4 weeks prior to fat harvesting procedure. If the current lab work is not provided, these test will be performed at the time of initial consultation.

 

There requirements are to insure that your pet is safe to undergo anesthesia and the minor surgical procedure required for fat harvesting as well as to maximize the potential benefit from the stem cell treatment.

UnQualified Patients:

 

• Any current history of major illnesses, such as cancer, poorly regulated diabetes or over uncontrolled endocrine disorders.
• Any concurrent neurologic disease including; degenerative myelopathy or intervertebral disk disease. Stem cells will have limited benefit on mobility issues that are a result of chronic/reoccurring spinal nerve damage or inflammation such as disc disease. Studies on neurologic diseases indicate diseases such as Degenerative Myelopathy and paralysis from trauma or post laminectomy appear to be responsive to stem cell treatment; however these diseases are not currently avaliable for commercial treatment with stem cells. These patients may qualify for other studies that are ongoing, see information below on Developmental and Compassionate Use Studies.
• Patients that have not had a regular veterinary wellness exam in the last 6 months
• Patients without current vaccinations, vaccine titers or letters for non-vaccination