Stem Cell Therapy Reviews Please

[Skye2]

I have a dog with HD and my local vet is suggesting replacement of one side with the view to potentially having to have the other side replaced down the track. I would like to pursue the option of Stem Cell and am interesting to hear from people whose dogs have had this and how successful it has been. Thank you in advance

[bianca.a]

I'm sorry I can't help you but will be following this with interest.

My girl has HD and it was suggested for me to do some research into stem cells. I have one vet and a specialist say they would do it if she was their dog. And then I have another vet and another specialist say they wouldn't and that money would be better put towards a THR later down the track.

The biggest problem I have with it is it only lasts a couple of years, not the lifetime of the dog unlike surgery.

My male has had bilateral THR's so if you want any feedback on that, am happy to share :)

[Skye2]

Thank you for your reply. I have heard similar things. Some saying good and others saying don't waste your money but I guess it depends on the degree of problem etc and would only be suitable for a percentage of cases.

Yes I would be interested in THR. The dog I am researching for is 19kg so could even go the route of Femoral head osteotomy but I am trying to way up different options and get a few things clear before going on to any other vet opinion.

[bianca.a]

Hi Skye,

Here is a link to the thread I started for his second THR.

http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/257165-second-thr-for-my-poor-boy/page__p__6479156#entry6479156

It should also link to the first thread I started about him.

From memory a FHO is certainly recommended for smaller dogs or bigger dogs who are still very young. Cooper is a GSD so even though we discovered just how bad his hips were at 10 months old, it was only ever going to be THRs.

I think the worst thing from memory was during the first surgery when they clipped his testicles they literally burnt the skin. It was peeling of in chunks. I think that is where he derived the most pain from as I can only imagine. I know one night he was crying so much and so was I that I called my local vet late at night to ask what to do. Completely doped him up with Tramadol and Ace.

Apart from that he had pretty smooth recoveries both times. Would I do it again, yes! My female has just turned 7 and it does look like she will be heading for one in the future.

The cost is pretty prohibitive, then it was 8K a side and that was 2 1/2 years ago. Also because your dog is smaller I'm sure it would be a little cheaper. But there are follow up xrays at 6 weeks, 6 months and one year...it all adds up and generally insurance wont pay as it is considered a prosthetic.

But to see my Cooper run nearly as fast as Molly and being able to jump, has made it all worthwhile. He is the best dog and makes me laugh daily.

I've probably not mentioned half the things I should have for you but if you have any questions, and I can help I am happy to.

[bianca.a]

Oh I should of added one very important thing. The specialist told me that once he heals it is never over. If the dog gets any kind of infection, it can travel to the implant and you have to start from scratch. I have a friend with a GSD also who had his hip done 18 months ago and a couple months back he got an infection and they had to take the implants out. Nasty and scary.

[Jumabaar]

Stem cells can reduce the inflammatory process and control pain. It needs to be part of a wholistic treatment plan rather than used as a solo treatment.

Therapeutic exercise is one of the most powerful ways to manage HD.

[Xyz]

Just in regards to insurance, we (work at a specialist hospital) usually manage to help clients claim back all but the cost of the implants (which is a big proportion but still!!!

Edited November 9, 2016 by Xyz