Cuervo et al. 2014
As the evidence base for regenerative therapies grows, studies directly comparing treatment modalities are particularly valuable. One such study, published in 2014, aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) versus plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) in client-owned dogs with hip osteoarthritis.
While limited in sample size, the study design was robust and the findings provide further support for stem cell therapy in companion animal medicine, particularly in showing how it compares to other regenerative treatments like PRGF.
Study Design at a Glance
This was a randomised, multicentre, blinded clinical trial involving 39 dogs with confirmed hip osteoarthritis. Subjects were split into two treatment groups:
Outcome assessments were performed at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-treatment. Evaluations included both clinical lameness scores and owner-reported Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) data, covering pain severity and interference with daily activities.
No adverse effects were reported in either group.
What Did They Find?
Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in lameness, pain, and quality of life at each post-treatment checkpoint.
However, by the 6-month mark, the AD-MSC group showed significantly greater improvements across multiple measures compared to the PRGF group. Notably: