How Does It Work?

Many animals naturally regenerate damaged body parts, such as a salamander regrowing its tail. Humans also have limited regenerative abilities, particularly in childhood, alongside the natural healing of bones and skin. Regenerative medicine aims to harness and enhance these natural healing processes by directing them to specific areas of injury or disease.

The History Of Regenerative Medicine

The concept of creating new tissues and organs is not new. Alexis Carrel, a Nobel Prize winner, was researching tissue engineering at the Rockefeller Institute during the 1930s and published The Culture of New Organs in 1938. However, it was not until 1981 that the first successful tissue-engineered skin transplant was performed in humans.

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Veterinary Applications

Regenerative medicine is primarily used to treat tendon injuries, joint disease and arthritis. While it does not cure arthritis, many patients experience improved mobility and reduced discomfort.

Research is also exploring new applications. One promising area is the use of intravenous stem cells to treat severe feline stomatitis, a painful condition that can be resistant to conventional treatments. Although studies currently involve relatively small numbers of patients, the results have been encouraging, and stem cell therapy may be appropriate in selected refractory cases.

There is also growing evidence that earlier treatment may help delay disease progression. Studies have shown that partial (degenerative) cruciate ligament injuries can heal following stem cell injections, helping some patients avoid surgery. Stem cell therapy has also been used preventatively in joints considered at high risk of developing disease.

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Advanced Imaging

Early diagnosis of arthritis has traditionally been challenging before changes appear on standard X-rays. VOAS is home to the UK’s first dual-energy CBCT scanner and the only one currently used in veterinary medicine.

Unlike conventional imaging, this technology can detect bone oedema (bone inflammation), which human research has identified as an early indicator of arthritis and a predictor of future disease severity. VOAS is currently undertaking research to investigate the relationship between bone oedema, pain and the later development of arthritis in pets. While the project is still in its early stages, the findings may influence how arthritis is diagnosed and treated in the future.

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Stem Cell Collection and Treatment

The stem cells used at VOAS are mesenchymal stem cells, which are collected from the cranial inguinal fat pad during a minor procedure performed under general anaesthesia. The sample is then sent to a specialist laboratory, where the cells are cultured over several weeks before being returned ready for treatment. A portion of the cultured cells is also stored for future use if required.

Because the stem cells are taken from the patient, they are well tolerated and are not rejected by the body, making the treatment both safe and effective.