Stem Cell Implantation - Page 1

 

I am considering on doing stem cell for my 7 year old GSD who has a significantly dysplastic right hip. Her left hip is OK.  She is a working dog and works in competiton ob, and agility.  She will probably not be able to do agility anymore, but would like to keep her working in some capacity as this is what she loves.   She shows pain in the right hip upon examination from the DR and has come up lame in her right hind leg after the past to agility sessions(rested in between and not showing signs of lameness prior to training session, only after ) She is on gluco and Chondroitin as well as Traumeel and Zeel.  She also has EPI and pannus, so she definately is an autoimmune mess.  Not sure if that would hurt chances of stem cell being successful, Dr didn't seem to think so. I was wondering if anyone has done this procedure on their dogs and if so what results have you seen.  I have heard that the results have been surprisingly good. Any info would be appreciated Lyn

Wow, now THAT is an interesting topic. I know nothing, but I am really looking forward to hearing responses.

I have heard about good results too, mainly helping the arthritis that is caused by the HD or other joint problems, and also good results with cruciate tears.  I haven't had to use it myself, but would seriously consider it when/if the time comes, as a viable alternative to invasive surgery.

molly

http://www.vet-stem.com/technologies/

is a place to find out more.

I have several clients who have used this procedure on their older dogs, none of whom was doing anything besides being a pet. From their observations, none of these clients felt it made much difference and it was very expensive. Their dogs were the same age as the dog owned by the OP. Perhaps in a younger dog one would see more difference, but for my money, I would retire the dog, let it play and do a few things it can do without aggravating injury and not spend a lot of money and put the dog though it all for so little benefit.

 Sitasmom thank you for the info. Molly part of me wanting to do this is to prevent furthur arthritus from setting in as she ages and making her uncomfortable in her older years.  I hope to prolong the quality of her life by keeping her pain free for as long as possible.

Hodie I am disappointed that you have not heard of better results.  The Dr said of course no guarentees but that it was helping in 70=75 % of the cases he has seen and no difference in 25- 30%.  I think those odds are pretty good.  

I guess I have some more considering to do before making my descision, but I am leaning towards doing it with the hopes of improving her future quality of life. I have an old girl who just turned 13 god bless her and she is so crippled I can hardly stand to watch her sometimes.  I manage her pain as best I can and am waiting for her to give me the sign that it is time. 

I had a working lines (not that that matters) bitch who started getting arthritis at 4 years of age. I switched to raw feeding and the arthritis didn't progress any more until she was 8. I guess I should assume that you tried all the various other ways to address arthritis as well already? 

Only an owner can decide when it is time to let go a beloved dog. However, if I thought my dog was "so crippled" I could hardly stand to watch, I would be thinking about what it was that the dog was really experiencing. I know all too well personally how hard it is to move as a human with severe arthritis. It takes a lot out of one and certainly changes the dynamics of whether life really is enjoyable or not.  I also know that many, many dogs are stoic and will not exhibit clear signs they are in pain. So that "sign" that "it is time" does not come in any realistically timely fashion. The question  becomes whether the dog really is suffering. I have put down far too many dogs in my life that I did not want to see go. But neither did I want to see them suffer. It is never easy to make such a call.

There are some studies out on just how efficacious this type of surgery is. It might be worth getting a few of them to read, talking to people who had this done some time ago, and getting a second or third opinion from a vet. Whatever you do, good luck with the dogs.

My girl is on a raw diet has been all her life.  And I do use various supplements to treat arthritis.

I agree Hodie, my dog is very stoic, and I don't want to be selfish and keep her because I can't make the descision, but she still has all of her faculties and still goes to grab her balls to play and eats like a horse, only goes to the bathroom outside even when I work all day.  I manage her pain with Rimadyl and tramadol.  I know her time will be soon, and I hope I am not making a mistake keeping her longer than perhaps I should.  It is never easy, but I don't want her to suffer.

I am currently researching the studies that have been done. I plan on doing my homework and not making a rash decision, thanks all for your input.

Best of luck to you and your girl, LynOD.