Elita Summary

This 2021 systematic review brings together six clinical studies on the use of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) injected directly into the hip joint of dogs with osteoarthritis. The verdict? Across all studies, stem cell treatment was safe, and consistently led to improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life.

While methodologies varied, the consistency of positive outcomes makes it clear: AD-MSCs are not an experimental fringe treatment. They’re already offering real clinical benefits in cases of canine hip OA.

The Evidence

• Studies reviewed: 6 (2 RCTs, 4 before-and-after studies)
• Total dogs treated: 64
• Outcomes assessed: Pain, lameness, range of motion, gait, owner-reported quality of life
• Follow-up duration: Minimum 30 days; most studies tracked to 90 or 180 days

All six studies reported positive clinical outcomes in dogs receiving AD-MSCs, including:

• Reduced pain (via vet exams and owner surveys)
• Improved mobility and range of motion
• Better limb loading (measured by force plate in some studies)

What’s Particularly Worth Noting

• Head-to-head comparisons favour MSCs: In the two randomised trials, dogs treated with MSCs improved more than those receiving either placebo or PRGF (platelet-derived biologics).
• Consistent safety: Across all trials, AD-MSCs were well tolerated. This includes both autologous and allogeneic preparations.
• Objective improvement: Studies using force plate analysis found measurable gains in limb use—something not easily explained by placebo effect or owner perception.
• Short time to benefit: Clinical improvements were often seen within 30 days of injection, with effects lasting at least 3–6 months.

The Gaps That Still Exist

While the results are promising, the field is still early in its development. Key limitations include:

• Small sample sizes: No study enrolled more than 18 dogs.
• Inconsistent protocols: Doses, cell characterisation, and assessment methods varied widely.
• Short follow-up windows: Only one study tracked dogs beyond six months.
• Limited standardisation: Pain and function scoring methods lacked uniformity, making cross-study comparisons difficult.

Why It Matters to Us

For vets already offering stem cell treatments, or considering it, this review confirms what many have seen firsthand: stem cells help. But it also highlights the urgent need for higher-quality, standardised studies with long-term tracking to build confidence and unlock broader clinical adoption.

At Elita, this is the kind of evidence that fuels our work. We’re not here to wait for perfect data, we’re here to generate it. Through rigorous clinical tracking, national veterinary collaboration, and ethical, real-world use, we’re committed to building the data infrastructure this field needs to thrive.

Because stem cells aren’t the future of pet care. They’re already part of the present. The next step is proving it, together.