Treating Hip Arthritis in Dogs: Are Stem Cells the Better Option?

If you’ve heard about stem cell banking for dogs, you’ve probably also had questions.

Does it actually help with arthritis? Is it safe? How long does it last?

We hear those questions all the time. So when credible research comes out that helps answer them, we pay attention, and we break it down in plain English so you can too.

A Real-World Look at Stem Cells for Dogs with Arthritis

This study out of Spain looked at dogs with hip arthritis and compared two treatment options:

One group was given stem cells (taken from their own fat tissue).

The other group got a different type of therapy made from their own blood, called PRGF (plasma rich in growth factors, a treatment some vets use to help reduce inflammation and support healing).

Importantly, this wasn’t a lab experiment, it was done in real vet clinics, with real pets and their owners. And neither the owners nor the vets knew which treatment the dogs were getting. That helps keep the results honest.

What Happened?

Both groups of dogs improved. Owners said their dogs were moving more freely and seemed more comfortable. But over time, one group kept getting better, while the other started to plateau.

The dogs who received stem cells showed:

• More consistent pain relief
• Improved movement over a longer period
• Less disruption to daily life (based on how they were walking, playing, and resting)

And here’s what really stood out:

From the very first check-in, the stem cell group had better outcomes, and those benefits kept growing.

At every checkpoint (1, 3, and 6 months), dogs treated with stem cells showed a much greater improvement in range of motion compared to the other group.

And what’s just as important? No negative side effects were seen in either group

So… Is It Worth It?.

No treatment is perfect. But when it comes to long-term outcomes, this study adds weight to what many vets are already seeing:

Stem cells can help dogs with arthritis live more comfortably, and for longer.

The earlier you store them, the more options you have down the track. It’s not about waiting until your dog is struggling, it’s about being ready before they are.

Why This Matters to Us at Elita

We don’t just follow the science, we build on it.

Studies like this shape how we work with vets, what we offer pet owners, and how we think about long-term care. We want you to have more than just hope. We want you to have options.

Want to read the full study?

You can dig into the peer-reviewed research here

Want to protect your pet’s future health?

Sign up here to store their stem cells today, so you’re ready for whatever life brings tomorrow.