Helping Pets Heal Themselves!
Advanced Cellular Therapy is a new innovative treatment option for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia or other joint related issues. Patients can be treated on an outpatient basis with their own cells collected, processed and administered the same day. Not only does this advanced therapy reduce pain and inflammation but it also restores quality of life and range of motion and regenerates tendons, ligaments and joint tissue.
Dr. Zoran Djordjevich, of Mohnacky Animal Hospital of Carlsbad, has successfully treated numerous patients with great results. Owners are reporting their pets have made tremendous improvement and are enjoying a more active lifestyle. Dr. Djordjevich is currently using this therapy enhance his advanced Canine Total Hip Replacement implant surgery as well, promoting faster healing in these patients.
What is Advanced Cellular Therapy?
Cellular therapy is a procedure that harnesses the body’s innate regenerative and healing processes to treat diseases. The procedure at Mohnacky Animal Hospital uses adult cells isolated from your pet’s fat tissue, a rich source of these cells. Studies have shown that these cells can develop into many different types of cells and tissues, including cartilage and bone. They also secrete many biological factors that promote healing. During the procedure, cells are isolated from a small amount of fat and then injected at the site of injury or disease. Cells are often given intravenously as well since they have the ability to home to sites of injury and inflammation. In the treatment of osteoarthritis in joints, for example, these cells can generate new cartilage and bone plus secrete potent anti-inflammatory factors, thereby replacing lost or damaged tissues, reducing pain, and increasing mobility.
What is so different about Advanced Cellular Therapy?
Cell therapy uses the body’s own regenerative cells and the myriad of proteins they produce to help the patient heal itself naturally. These cells treat the source of the problem by repairing damaged tissue and/or halting the disease process. Other medical treatments, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, generally address just the symptoms. With the advanced protocol used at Mohnacky Animal Hospital, over 95% of animals treated for osteoarthritis show significant improvement.
Is it safe?
Cellular therapy is considered quite safe. It uses the animal’s own cells so there is no risk of rejection. Minor surgery under anesthesia is required to collect the fat tissue. On a dog, this surgery is simpler than a spay and is completed in about 20 minutes.
What is the recovery period, and how long does it take to see results?
You will be provided guidance tailored for your pet’s condition. Some patients may experience inflammation and stiffness in injected joints for 1-3 days following injection. Often patients show increased vitality within days due to the potent anti-inflammatory effects, so your pet should be kept leash-restrained for the first 10 days to avoid strenuous activity that could cause injury or re-injury. Cells will continue to repair tissues over weeks to months. It also takes time for the animal to rebuild the muscular support lost from previous inactivity.
What conditions do you treat?
The most common conditions treated are degenerative joint disease (such as osteoarthritis associated with hip and elbow dysplasia), ligament and tendon injuries, and fractures. Cellular therapy is often used in conjunction with surgery (e.g., cruciate ligament repair) to accelerate healing and improve the bio-mechanical strength and flexibility of the repaired tissue.
How long does a treatment last? What happens if my pet starts having trouble again?
With osteoarthritis, typically about 1-3 years of relief is observed after the initial treatment. Some animals never need re-treatment. Re-treatment, if needed, can be performed with a repeat procedure or by using cells that were banked from the first procedure.
Are there any animals that you don’t treat?
Yes. Animals with cancer or active infections are generally ineligible for treatment as there is some concern that treatment might worsen these conditions