Goldenvale News

 Regenerative Medicine for Arthritis: Helping Dogs Help Themselves

James S. Gaynor, DVM, MS, DACVA, DAAPM

Peak Performance Veterinary Group

Colorado Springs, CO USA

The concept of using stem cell therapy as a form of regenerative medicine was born out of a lack of satisfactory therapy for degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis. The goal of stem cell therapy is to initiate tissue regeneration, not just healing. In this way, strength, range of motion and performance are enhanced while minimizing scars, pain, and potentially future related disease.

Stem cells are primitive cells which are present in virtually every tissue. They are capable of differentiating into many different tissue types and are self renewing thereby allowing these adult stem cells to treat traumatic and degenerative diseases, including bowed tendons, ligament injuries, and osteoarthritis in horses and dogs.

A key concept is that this type of regenerative medicine utilizes ADULT stem cells. These adult stem cells are derived from depots of fat tissue, making them a readily available source, much easier to collect and much more plentiful than those derived from bone marrow.

In the case of arthritis, stem cells are injected directly into 2-4 affected joints, or intra-articularly and intravenously to induce a more global effect. Once again the regenerative cells can differentiate into many tissue types, induce repair, and stimulate regeneration. 

Currently, over 1800 dogs have been treated for osteoarthritis and orthopedic procedures. Most patients had elbow, hip, or knee problems.  Intra-articular administration of regenerative stem cells significantly decreases pain and improves comfort in the majority of cases. The current indications for regenerative stem cell therapy in dogs includes osteoarthritis and tendon and ligament injuries.   

As more research is conducted, the likelihood of expanding the indications for stem cell therapy increases. Besides the overwhelming scientific data demonstrating the clinical efficacy of regenerative cellular therapy in animal models of osteoarthritis, many additional studies demonstrate success in treating systemic disorders such as stroke, heart attack, muscular dystrophy, and immune-mediated disorders.

Research  has shown and now 1800 clinical cases have proven the tremendous benefits to be had from the regenerative and healing aspects of stem cell therapy in the relief from pain and return to normal function of our dogs crippled with arthritis.  At present we are only able to help our dogs but continuing research into feline regenerative medicine will hopefully indicate that we will be able to help these friends too.  Stem cells have been found in adult tissues with fat being an especially good site to retrieve these beneficial cells.  Even thin dogs will have adequate fat depots from which to procure the cells we need.  This tissue is sent to a special lab in the U.S.A. and then returned to us for injection into the affected joints.

Adding Stem Cell Therapy now to our Laser Therapy options really increases veterinary medicine’s success in fighting the debilitating effects of arthritis.  If you think your dog may be a candidate for laser or stem cell therapy give us a call and come in to see Dr. Teasdale with your questions.

What an exciting time for veterinary medicine!  The use of therapeutic lasers is providing a revolutionary approach for the treatment of so many of our patients’ needs.

Laser therapy is the use of an intense beam of laser light directed into tissues to reduce pain, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing.  The beam penetrates deeply into tissues and produces positive tissue changes.  The results can be amazing.

What patients will benefit from Therapeutic Laser treatment?

Our new Laser machine is now being used for all routine surgical and dental procedures to help reduce pain and inflammation and speed healing.

Patients with a wide variety of acute (recent) problems will benefit from Therapeutic Laser therapy.  Common to these problems are the components of pain, inflammation, and tissue healing.  These conditions may be treated only once, or, multiple times over several days or weeks.  Just a few examples include wounds, fractures, abscesses, anal sacculitis, otitis, hematomas, sprains, strains, muscle discomfort, cystitis, dermatitis.

Chronic conditions involving pain, inflammation, and healing will also be helped, although treatment has to extend over a longer time.  The results seen with osteoarthritis can be so rewarding and, in fact, life prolonging.  The same positive results can be achieved for lick granulomas, nerve damage, and elbow hygromas to name but a few.

Because Therapeutic Lasers are so versatile the indications for their use are almost limitless.  Don’t hesitate to give us a call if you think your pet could benefit from the healing power of the laser.

To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.
-  Confuscious

Exerpted from Drs. Foster and Smith

We all know it’s the season for our spring cleaning around the house.  If you haven’t looked at “Fluffy” in a while he or she probably needs to visit the Groomer.

Here at Goldenvale we recommend, for most breeds, a visit every 6-8 weeks depending on the haircut.  Often times during the winter the cut is styled longer but should still be maintained on a regular basis.  For those breeds that are not clipped they still need  grooming throughout the winter to keep their skin and coats healthy.

If you are like a lot of families you may have decided to let the hair grow all season and worry about it in the spring – well – SPRING IS HERE !  Please remember to be kind to your pet and your groomer.  If the coat has become extremely matted during the winter you can’t expect your groomer to perform miracles.  Get your pet shaved down and start over fresh.  Your pet will thank you.

(written by Heidi Jahnke – professional groomer)

The older and simpler method of converting dogs and cats ages to human years uses a multiplier of 7, so for instance, a 5 year old dog is 5×7 or 35 in human years.  But as pets get into the 15 plus years this formula is not so accurate.

A more realistic equation is 10 human years for each pet year up to 3 years of age, then 4 human years for each year thereafter.  That would make a 15 year old pet [15-3] x4 +30 or 78 years old.

It is recommended that a full dental cleaning by your veterinarian be done for your pets every 6 months – just the same as your dentist recommends for you.  This is in addition to your daily home care.  Just as you brush your teeth every day between dentist visits so should you brush your pet’s teeth every day.  With proper home care your pet may not need that 6 month dentistry thereby saving you the expense and your pet the anesthetic.

PROFESSIONAL DENTAL CLEANING

As soon as you notice tartar accumulation or bad breath it is time for a professional cleaning.  Waiting will only allow more time for the inflammation/infection of the gum to worsen and spread and make the time under anesthesia more prolonged.  Unfortunately anesthesia is always required to adequately assess and clean all surfaces of all the teeth, both above and below the gum line.  In addition, anesthesia eliminates all discomfort from the procedure and allows the placement of a breathing tube into the windpipe so bacteria do not enter the lungs.

Modern veterinary medicine offers a wide array of safe and effective anesthetics with monitoring equipment that allay previous concerns of anesthesia.  Today’s anesthetics are dramatically safer than those of even a few years ago.  Preanesthetic blood testing will determine if your pet is a candidate for the anesthesia.  The risks of a constant infection in the mouth are far greater than the risks of anesthesia, even in older pets.

So check your pet’s teeth – today.  If you see a yellow or brown accumulation on the tooth surface or a red line at the tooth-gum junction or a bad odour then call your veterinarian to make an appointment to have your pet’s teeth evaluated.  It is never too late and no pet is too old to have a healthy mouth.

Last time we discussed the importance of home dental care with tooth brushing being the  cornerstone  of  your home dental care program.  The following tips may help you to be successful  with encorporating  the brushing of your pet’s teeth into your daily routine.

HOW TO START BRUSHING YOUR PET’S TEETH

Remember , this should be fun for you and your pet.  Try not to overly restrain your dog and keep sessions short and positive.  Use lots of praise and rewards throughout the process.  Pick an area of the home that is comfortable for you and your pet and always go to this spot when you’re ready to brush his teeth.

1. First, have your pet get used to the taste of the toothpaste.  Let him lick some off your finger and praise him when he licks the paste.  If your pet doesn’t like the taste you may need to try one of the other flavours. Do this several times a day for a few days.
2. Next try rubbing the toothpaste with your finger against his teeth and gums.  Just try this initially on the front teeth and upper canine teeth which are the easiest teeth to get at.  Don’t forget the praise and perhaps one of his most favourite tasty treats.
3. Attempting the toothbrush comes next.  Your pet needs to get accustomed to the texture of the bristles so let him lick the toothpaste off the brush.  Use lots of praise and ending with a tasty treat will reward his good behaviour.  Don’t rush this step – carry on for about a week.
4. Now you’re ready to start brushing.  Gently lift the upper lip and place the brush at about a 45 degree angle to the gum line.  Don’t get hung up on the angle – 45 degrees gives the best cleaning but even with the tip of the bristles flat against the tooth will work.  Move the brush back and forth gently.  Start with the large upper canine teeth and as he accepts this motion try moving toward the back teeth.  The upper teeth attract the most plague so concentrate on this area.  Remember to use lots of praise and an upbeat tone of voice.  Don’t worry about trying to brush the inside surface of the teeth which lies against the tongue.  This surface is much too difficult to get at and the movement of the tongue usually keeps the plague off this area.  Always end with praise and a special reward.
5. You are now brushing your pet’s teeth!  Give him a big hug and yourself a pat on the back.  You are doing a great thing for your pet and hopefully having fun while doing it.

Next up – the scoop on professional teeth cleaning

Home dental care and regular professional cleanings performed by your veterinarian are the best gifts you can give to your pet.  Without them, plague turns into tartar leading to gingivitis     (inflammation of the gums), followed by periodontitis (loosening of the teeth).  Gingivitis if treated early can be cured.  Periodontitis in pets, on the other hand, can only be controlled and not cured.  In addition to loose teeth and pain, the infection in the mouth associated with periodontitis can spread to other organs especially the kidneys and valves of the heart.

 WHAT KIND OF HOME DENTAL CARE IS AVAILABLE

The Toothbrush – Daily brushing is the key to dental home care.  Just as with your own teeth, nothing beats brushing.  The toothbrush bristles are able to reach between teeth and under gums.  Finger brushes are also available for those of you who can’t get your dog to accept a toothbrush.

Toothpaste – Enzymatic pet toothpastes are excellent for helping to reduce plaque and freshening the breath.  It is very important not to use human toothpastes as these contain sudsing agents which are not expected to be swallowed and could upset your pet’s stomach.  Pet toothpaste comes in a variety of flavours – mint and poultry seem to be the favourites.

Dental Treats – Dental treats are also very beneficial to  reduce plague and remove tartar.  Many treats contain an ingredient called hexametaphosphate which has been proven to bind to calculus and help to soften it.  The abrasive action of a hard treat such as “Greenies” or a high quality rawhide chew then scrapes away the softened tartar.  Remember to always supervise your dog when giving chew treats and throw out the rawhide chews when they get reduced  to a size which can be swallowed.  Never give real animal bones to your pet.  They are totally undigestible – the way it goes in is the way it comes out.  Also broken teeth are a common consequence.

Dental Diets – Realizing that daily brushing of your pet’s teeth is not the easiest routine to master, some therapeutic diets have been developed to actually scrape off the tartar with each bite.  The individual kibbles are manufactured in such a way to allow the pet’s tooth to puncture the kibble without the kibble breaking up and then as the tooth pulls out the tooth is mechanically scraped.  Makes dental home care pretty easy now, doesn’t it!

RECOMMENDATION:  If your pet is over a year of age and you are just starting your dental home care see your veterinarian before you begin.  If your pet has more advanced dental disease your vet can advise you on the best course of action.

Up Next – How To Start Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth