1: What is stem cell therapy (also called regenerative cell therapy)?
A: Everyone has heard about stem cells and the exciting new ways
they can be used to treat diseases. All tissues can heal or regenerate.
The source which gives rise to this rejuvenation is the stem cell.
What isn't known, is that veterinarians can use stem cells right now to
treat certain debilitating diseases and provide pain relief that may not
be responsive to medications.
2: Where are stem cells acquired?
A: Stem cells are harvested from the fat of the pet that is going to be
treated. Stem cells are in many tissues in the body and are able
to be separated, concentrated, and instilled into an area to be treated.
3: Why aren't embryos used for stem cell therapy?
A: When embryo stem cells are injected into a particular site, they
form "whole animals" which are called teratomas. These do not heal
the particular tissue desired to be treated. The embryonic tissue can
also be rejected since it is a different genotype.
4: How do stem cells work?
A: Stem cells develope into specific tissue types when placed into
a certain location. For example, if injected into a joint, the stem cells
are drawn to areas of inflammation or damage, develop into those
particular tissue types like bone, cartilage, or joint capsule, repairing
that tissue. There is also an anti-inflammatory effect so pain relief
is provided during the healing process.
5: Are there any side effects of stem cell therapy:
A: The occasional side effects noted in less than 1% of individuals is
mild local redness at the injection site and possible seroma
development at the site fat is taken. There is no rejection of the tissue
since it is taken from the same animal it is administered.
6: What are the goals of regenerative cell therapy?
A: Regenerative therapy goals are to maximize or regain strength,
range of motion, and performance. Also it is used to treat scar
development, pain, and reduce future disease.
7: Why use regenerative cell therapy?
A: Cell therapy is used due to lack of satisfactory therapy for
degenerative disease such as osteoarthritis, chronic hepatitis, and
certain auto-immune diseases. It is also used in areas of poor healing
such as non-union fractures, tendon/ligament injuries, and non-
healing wounds.
8: What is the process for regenerative cell therapy?
A: General anesthesia is used to perform minor surger to recover fat
from the pet. This is done on Monday or Tuesday. The fat is sent to
Vet-Stem where the stem cells are separated and put into syringes.
They are returned to us by overnight and must be administered on the
same day received. For this a short anesthesia or sedative is
administered and the stem cells injected. The pet will usually go home
the same day.
There are a lot of questions you may wish to ask. Please feel free to call and talk to Dr. Jacques about your pet's needs. Veterinarians need to be credentialed in order to use stem cell therapy. At the current time, Dr. Jacques is the only veterinarian in Idaho to be credentialed. Also please feel free to visit Vet Stem on the web at
and read the testimonials from actual owners that this new and exciting branch of veterinary medicine is helping.
Earnest Jacques, DVM (Ted)
Donnelly Veterinary Hospital
208-325-4510