Clinical outcomes following intraarticular injection of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs characterised by weight-bearing asymmetry

Sanghani-Kerai et al., 2021
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Elita Summary

As the veterinary use of regenerative therapies for osteoarthritis becomes more widespread, there is increasing interest in clinical data to support their efficacy. This study investigated the effects of a single intra-articular injection of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on lameness, pain, and quality of life in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA). The findings from this clinical case series support the effectiveness of this combination treatment for improving OA symptoms in dogs for at least six months.

Study Design at a Glance

  • Sample: 25 skeletally mature dogs (28 joints) with a diagnosis of degenerative joint disease were recruited. The average age of the dogs was 98.5 months (approximately 8 years).
  • Methods:
    • Treatment: Each dog received a single intra-articular injection of their own AdMSCs and PRP. The number of cells and platelets injected was based on the dog's weight.
    • Assessment: Patients were followed up at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-injection.
  • Outcomes: The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed using three methods:
    • Owner-reported scores: The Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire.
    • Veterinarian-assessed scores: The modified Canine Osteoarthritis Staging Tool (mCOAST).
    • Objective gait analysis: Pressure-sensitive walkway analysis was used to measure limb asymmetry.

Key Findings

  • Improved Pain and Quality of Life: Both the owner-reported LOAD scores and the veterinarian-assessed mCOAST scores showed significant improvement after the injection. The mCOAST scores improved significantly after three months and remained improved at six months.
  • Reduced Lameness: Objective gait analysis revealed that limb asymmetry indices decreased from four weeks post-injection and remained significantly lower at six months, indicating improved weight distribution and reduced lameness.
  • Combined Therapy Efficacy: The study demonstrates that a single injection of autologous AdMSCs combined with PRP is effective in managing canine OA symptoms for up to six months.
  • Safety: There were no reported adverse effects related to either the surgical fat tissue harvest or the injection procedure.

Why This Matters Clinically

  • Evidence for Combined Therapy: This study provides valuable clinical data supporting the use of autologous AD-MSCs in combination with PRP for managing OA in dogs. The positive results from a single injection make this a viable, non-invasive treatment option for clients and their pets.
  • Multi-modal Assessment: The use of a combination of owner-reported, veterinarian-assessed, and objective gait analysis provides a comprehensive view of the treatment's success in a real-world clinical setting.
  • Symptom Modification: The findings indicate that AdMSCs and PRP therapy can improve quality of life and reduce pain, potentially delaying the need for more invasive surgical procedures like arthroplasty.

Implications for Elita

This study provides robust, real-world evidence of the clinical value of autologous adipose-derived stem cell therapy for canine osteoarthritis. The success of the treatment, particularly its sustained effect for at least six months from a single injection, reinforces the long-term value of banking a pet's own cells. As Australia's only autologous stem cell banking provider, this research is crucial as it validates our core service: preserving a patient's own cells for future therapeutic use. The use of autologous cells in this study, taken from a variety of breeds and ages, demonstrates the broad applicability of our service, confirming that a dog's own cells can be a powerful tool for a more personalised and effective approach to regenerative medicine.