regenerative cell therapy for degen. hips

[aprillovesherdogs]

I recently lost one of my beloved rotties to osteosarcoma. When my other one started limping I got him xrayed immediately. I went to an orthopedic specialist and he determined that Ansel has degenerating hips and knees. Ansel is almost 11 years old and not a candidate for surgery. He suggested regenerative cell therapy.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

[poohbearsdad]

I think there was a thread mon this topic a while back but I don't recall just how long ago. My Poohbear has hip dysplasia and is currently taking sasha's blend, an equine glucosamine blend, ester c, fish oil, and Deramaxx.

She's somewhat bouncing like a puppy but not quite. She's panting alot so she's experiencing at least some discomfort. On the up side, she just started tracking classes.

[Liz]

We're looking into this for Franny. I don't have any experience with it yet, but it does sound promising.

Here's the web page for the company that pioneered it:

Dog Stem Cells | Canine | Feline | Tendons | Ligaments | Arthritis | Hip Dysplasia | Elbow | Joints

Liz

[pol0]

My local news station just did a story last night on this therapy. Here is the link, its pretty interesting. I think they said the price is around $2500.


Fox 6 News.

[aprillovesherdogs]

Thanks for your replies. The news clip was very good. My vet through out a verbal estimate of $1500 for 2 hips and 2 knees. After seeing the clip and checking out the websites, that seems like a bargain. I think I will go ahead and get a full written estimate. I will let you all know what I find out.

Ansel is also taking Deramaxx ($$$) and I was told that I could give him 1/2 a tylenol in the morning and 1/2 at night. He was also given Tramadol for really bad days...like today. He had a very hands on exam last night and I think it's really showing today.

[observer]

I think this is interesting, but I wonder about using it in an elderly dog. Giving a younger dog many comfortable years is one thing, (most of the case studies and testimonials on the website pertain to young and younger dogs) but I am practical enough to wonder about treatment that costly, and not guaranteed effective, in a dog that is likely facing other health issues in the near future. And I say that as the loving owner of a 12 year old with arthritic hips that I am treating with a variety of remedies.

[aprillovesherdogs]

Observer, I know what you mean. IF my vet's verbal estimate of $1500 is correct, I would be more likely to consider it, even if I only got another year. But if it comes out to a great deal more than that, I don't think it would be an option. I called a few other vets in other states and most of them said that they had only been doing the procedure about 2 months so they really didn't have any feedback to give me.

What remedies are you using? Are you seeing good results?

[observer]

Well, I've used (and am using) glucosamine chews (I've tried various brands) Duralactin (made from a milk protein -- I get it on the internet from Healthy Pets), and Adequan injections. The Adequan is expensive, and doesn't help every dog. As a prescription antiinflammatory, I also use meloxicam (I get it from a compounding pharmacy -- LOADS cheaper than the brand name Metacam, even the online price) Recently have added gapapentin for more pain relief.

The problem I had is that when the extent of Missy's arthritis was first diagnosed, I threw the kitchen sink at it, including all of the above plus hydrotherapy with a canine physical therapist. She certainly got better (although she is slowing down compared to when all this started in the fall of 2006), but I don't know which things helped most, or at all. As a result, I can't stop doing any of it (except the pool therapy, which was time consuming to drive her there and not cheap -- I wish I had access to a free pool, as it was really good for her). He also gave me a list of exercises for her which I admit I have not done religiously at all.

All that said, she jumps on and off the bed and isn't limping. I do catch her not putting full weight on the left hind sometimes when she is standing, but that is intermittent, and she seems still to be a happy girl. Fingers crossed she stays that way.