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West Chester Veterinary Rehabilitation Specialty Center
Issue 5, February 2012
Focus
Rehab
on
Welcome
Stem Cell Therapy
This issue of our newsletter features the
role of the Adipose Stem Cell Procedure*
in conjunction with rehabilitative therapy
treatment.
We can extend the length and quality of life
of our animal companions through the use of
stem cell regenerative therapy. The therapy
is most effective for animals suffering from
osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia and ligament
injuries, but can also be used in muscle repair.
The treatment uses the animal’s own stem
cells to heal its body. Continued research for
other applications is ongoing and is an exciting
new field of veterinary medicine.
Contents
Stem Cell Therapy
Case Study—Cisco
West Chester Veterinary
Rehabilitation Specialty Center
1141 West Chester Pike
West Chester PA 19382
Email: [email protected]
westchestervetmedcenter.com
HOURS:
By Appointment
Call: 610-696-8712
In patients suffering from osteoarthritis,
muscle or other soft tissue injuries, stem cell
therapy helps to decrease pain allowing the
patient to participate in a comprehensive rehab
program more comfortably. Rehabilitation is
an essential part of rebuilding the muscle mass
and regaining lost range of motion.
At our Center we use the MediVet In-House
Stem Cell Procedure.
* Adipose tissue is body fat.
Adult stem cells are cells which are found
in normal body tissues and organs including
fat, bone marrow, blood, skin, etc. As adult
cells they have the ability to heal only their
tissue of origin. However, these cells can
be transformed into stem cells which have
the ability to heal tissues other than their
own kind. Stem Cells have the ability to
differentiate into cell types such as cartilage,
bone and muscle. Endothelium, pancreatic
cells, bone, myocardium (heart muscle), liver
and neural cells can also be induced given the
right conditions in an animal’s body. Changes
can be seen in vivo when adult stem cells
are transplanted into a tissue environment
different than their own origin.
Before stem cell therapy can begin, the patient
must be thoroughly evaluated to determine his
or her health status. Stem cell therapy should
not be performed on patients suffering from
cancer or active infections.
(Continued on next page)
Stem Cell Therapy (contd.)
(Continued from front page)
Pre-screening for patients being considered for stem cell
therapy should include all of the following diagnostic
procedures:
induction of growth factors and cytokines from cells of any
organism (see photo below). When adipose-derived stem
cells are removed from fat tissue using a patented enzyme
most of the cells are in a latent, non-dividing state.
 Complete blood count (CBC)
 Comprehensive chemistry panel
 Urinalysis
 Chest Radiographs
 Abdominal ultrasound
 Cardiology work-up
 Tick panel
Adipose tissue is harvested from intra-abdominal falciform
fat (photo above). Other areas of fat storage is also utilized
in both dogs and cats. Fat is an excellent source of stem cells
because it can be harvested in abundance and yields a much
larger stem cell count when compared to bone marrow.
To be activated within the body there is a repair mechanism
cascade that must be activated in order for the stem cells to
circulate through the body and begin differentiation into new
tissues.The 3 color light stimulates the cells to initiate repair
from the moment the cells are injected into the animal’s body.
Compared to other sources, adult stem cells found in the
collected adipose tissue can range in the millions per unit
of measure. Stem cells have the ability to repair ligaments,
tendons, cartilage, and even other body tissues once injected
into an injured or arthritic tissue and/or joint. They are also
administered intravenously to provide improved availability
of the stem cells through-out the body.
The benefit of the MediVet technology is the ability to
do the entire procedure from fat collection to stem
cell administration on the same day. Because the fat is
autologous, there is very little chance of an adverse tissue
reaction.
There are infinite possibilities for the indications in adult
stem cell therapy and we have just touched the surface.
Research on benefits for neurologic and muscle repair are
currently ongoing as well as continued studies on the benefits
in osteoarthritis and ligamentous repair.
Focus
Once harvested, fat is processed using proprietary reagents,
patented enzymes, filtered, washed with an antibiotic and
centrifuged multiple times (photo above). Exposure to a
special 3-color LED light initiates photobiostimulation which
results in enhanced cell proliferation, differentiation and
on
Rehab
is a publication of the West Chester Veterinary Rehabilitation Specialty Center
1141 West Chester Pike, West Chester PA 19382, Tel: 610-696-8712
Email: [email protected], Web: www.westchestervetmedcenter.com
DISCLAIMER
All activities discussed in this newsletter are conducted under veterinary supervision only. The West
Chester Veterinary Rehabilitation Specialty Center is not liable, under any circumstances, for any loss of
life or bodily injury claimed to be as a result of the reader's use of information contained in this newsletter.
Stem Cell Case Study — Cisco
Signalment
Radiographs
Our Rehab Team
Dr. Stephanie Finley, CCRT
Cisco: 12-year-old neutered male Golden
Retriever
Presenting Complaint
Cisco had progressive hind limb weakness
and stiffness, difficulty rising, unable to do
stairs, and decreased stamina on walks.
Both stifles had surgical repair of torn
cruciate ligaments via tibial-plateau-leveling
osteotomy (TPLO). Improvement with
NSAIDs was noted, but not significant.
Pelvis:
Good hip coverage, no osteophytes noted
Stifles:
Osteoarthritis
 Virginia Maryland Regional College of
Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA
 Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist
(CCRT),Canine Rehabilitation Institute,
Wellington, FL
Dr. Charles Schenck
Medications
 Rimadyl 100mg BID
 Tramadol 100mg BID
Physical Exam
 Stiff and forward shifted gait
 Significant decreased stifle (65) and
hock (85) flexion during passive range
of motion (PROM)
Treatment Interventions
Stem Cell Therapy:
Stem cells harvested from Cisco’s falciform
fat (see photo below) were “activated”
with platelet rich plasma (PRP) and
photobiostimulation. These activated
cells were then injected into both of
Cisco's stifles (0.5 ml per joint) and then
the remaining 0.5 ml of the stem cells was
given intravenously.
 Graduate Texas A&M
 International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) certified
veterinary acupuncturist
 30 years of clinical experience
Michelle Lazarski,PT,CCRP
 Crepitus of both stifles and hocks
 Pain score 2+/4




 Muscle atrophy both hind limbs
 Able to walk about 30 feet
* Normal flexion for stifle and hock is 40-500
Diagnostics
Graduate Boston University
B.S. Physical Therapy
More than 25 years clinical experience
Certified Canine Rehabilitation
Practitioner, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
Cheryl Englert
CBC, chemistry panel, urinalysis, chest
radiographs, abdominal ultrasound,
cardiology work-up including echocardiogram and joint radiographs
(Continued on back page)
Next Issue: Acupuncture
 Graduate Penn State University
 B.S. Animal Production
 5 years veterinary experience
Stem Cell Case Study — Cisco (contd.)
Treatment Plan
Cisco’s treatment consisted of a multi-modal approach.
Cold laser therapy was integral in decreasing pain, but also in
increasing circulation and therefore potency of the injected
stem cells. Home instruction of an exercise program to help
Cisco rebuild muscle mass once he was more comfortable
was also important.
Aquatic Therapy:
Swimming therapy was initiated in the clinic prior to stem
cell injection. Cisco continued therapy for several weeks after
injection and then was released to a home swim program.
Rehab Goals
 Decrease pain
 Increase pain-free PROM for stifles and hocks to
functional limits
 Improve symmetrical weight bearing in stance and gait
to 0/4 lameness score
 Increase muscle strength/girth of hind limbs
 Increase function for longer walks, uneven terrain, stairs
 Educate owner with a safe, appropriate and progressive
home program
Modalities
Cold Laser:
Cold laser was applied to stifles, hocks, areas of muscle
spasms and tenderness to decrease inflammation, pain and
promote tissue healing. It also increases the viability of the
stem cells and improves their circulation throughout the
body. Ice/cold pack to the stifles was used with signs of
soreness or after exercise to decrease inflammation.
Soft Tissue Massage:
Areas targeted were quadriceps, hamstrings and cervical/
scapular muscles. Massage aids in circulation, decreases
muscle spasm and promotes tissue healing and relaxation.
PROM/Flexibility:
After laser therapy and massage, gentle slow PROM (in pain
free range) for hip extension, stifle and hock flexion was
performed.
Joint Mobilization Techniques:
Joint mobilization techniques can be effective to help
restore joint mobility, and aid in synovial fluid distribution.
Approximations of the stifles and hocks as well as hock
glides were performed.
Therapeutic Exercise:
Focus was on hind limb strengthening and ROM. Exercises
that stimulated isometric contractions of the hind limbs to
minimize joint impact while engaging the muscles including
a “paws up” position and gentle weight shifting were stressed.
Caveletti walking and sit to stand exercises were performed
to increase active ROM and improve muscle strength.
Outcome
Within three weeks of the stem cell injection, Cisco was able
to climb the stairs with little to no assistance and walk up
to 60 feet. At one month post stem cell therapy he could
rise without help on grass or carpeted surfaces. His appetite
was good and he was able to stand throughout his meal.
The owner reported that Cisco was about 90 percent back
to his old self. He was following his owner around the yard
and trotting after a ball for a short distance.