Stem Cell Therapy Applications in Veterinary Medicine

Stem cell therapy is being explored for a variety of conditions in companion animals including refractory feline chronic gingivostomatitis, osteoarthritis, chronic kidney disease, atopic dermatitis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and immune mediated encephalitis. While most other treatments target symptom management, stem cell therapy targets the root cause of disease, working with the body’s own cells to promote healing. The basics of how stem cells modulate the immune system and promote tissue repair will be discussed. We will review how stem cell therapy is being explored in veterinary medicine and how it can be incorporated into daily veterinary practice. 

• Understand how many diseases are rooted in local and systemic immune dysregulation
• Understand how stem cells modulate the immune system
• Understand evidence behind stem cell therapy for the management of common conditions including refractory feline chronic gingivostomatitis, osteoarthritis, chronic kidney disease, and atopic dermatitis
• Understand how stem cell therapy differs from standard therapies which target symptom management