Osteoarthritis in dogs, also known as osteoarthrosis or joint degeneration, is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions in companion animals. It affects up to 20% of adult dogs and leads to pain, stiffness and limited movement. It is most common in older dogs and large breeds, but it can also develop in younger animals after injuries.
Traditional methods include anti-inflammatory drugs, chondroprotective supplements, physiotherapy, and weight control. These therapies provide relief but do not halt the progression of the disease.
New hope in the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs comes from MSCs isolated from adipose tissue and PRP. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have the ability to differentiate into chondrocytes – cells that build joint cartilage.
👉 Check out how mesenchymal stem cells work
The treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs should be tailored to the stage of the disease. This allows for the best clinical results and improves the animal's quality of life. There are three main therapeutic approaches:
At the onset of the disease, stiffness and joint pain appear, usually after exercise. In this phase, the most effective treatment is PRP – platelet-rich plasma. The preparation is made from animal blood and contains a high concentration of growth factors that:
reduce inflammation,
support the regeneration of periarticular tissues,
improve comfort of movement.
PRP is a fast, safe and autologous method (i.e. using the patient's own material).
When the disease progresses and cartilage damage becomes more apparent, the only viable option for reconstruction is therapy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These cells:
support cartilage regeneration - after being administered into the joint, mesenchymal stem cells migrate to the damaged areas, differentiate into chondrocytes (cells that build joint cartilage), secrete an extracellular matrix rich in type II collagen and aggrecan, which promotes the reconstruction of the cartilage layer and improves the elasticity of the joint surfaces.
They inhibit inflammatory processes,
reduce pain and stiffness,
and allow for long-term improvement of joint function.
MSC therapy requires the collection of the dog's adipose tissue, isolation of cells in a GMP laboratory, and their re-administration into the joint.
Biological therapies are extremely effective in all cases where cartilage tissue remains in the joint:
PRP – early stage: rapid improvement and reduction of inflammation.
MSC – progressive stage: the only method enabling cartilage regeneration.
For more severe cases where joint degeneration and cartilage loss have occurred, IL-1 can help alleviate the animal's pain, improving its quality of life.
Each case should be assessed individually by a veterinary surgeon.
Osteoarthritis is chronic and progressive. However, thanks to modern therapies (PRP, MSC, IL-1), its development can be significantly slowed down, pain reduced and the dog's quality of life improved.
PRP works best in the early stages of the disease, when the first signs of inflammation appear. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recommended in the progressive phase, when joint cartilage is damaged and tissue regeneration is needed.
It involves collecting the dog's adipose tissue, isolating stem cells in a GMP laboratory and administering them in the form of an injection into the joint. The procedure is minimally invasive and the effects last for many months, provided that the preparation has been properly prepared and does not contain pathogens.
IIL-1 blocks the interleukin-1 pathway, which is responsible for chronic inflammation in the joint. Used in the advanced stages of the disease, it reduces pain and swelling and improves the dog's daily activity.
Yes, both PRP and MSC use autologous material (derived from the patient), which minimises the risk of an immune reaction. Our therapies are conducted in accordance with GMP standards and supervised by a trained veterinary surgeon.
