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Advanced orthopaedic care

Stem cell therapy —
regenerative care for
lasting results.

Not symptom management. Not pain masking. A treatment that addresses the underlying cause — using your pet's own stem cells to promote genuine tissue repair in arthritic and damaged joints.

Book a consultation How it works ↓

What it is

Regenerative medicine — not just pain relief

Stem cell therapy uses your pet's own adipose (fat) tissue as a source of regenerative stem cells. These cells are harvested, processed, and injected directly into damaged joints — where they work to reduce inflammation and support the repair of cartilage and surrounding tissue.

The difference between this and conventional pain management is significant. Rather than managing symptoms indefinitely, we are working to address the cause — giving many patients a meaningful reduction in pain and improvement in mobility that lasts.

We use autologous stem cells — meaning they come from your pet's own body, eliminating the risk of rejection. The procedure is performed here at our Newcraighall practice, under anaesthetic, in a single session.

Who is it for?

Good candidates — is your pet suitable?

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Osteoarthritis

The most common indication. Dogs and cats with chronic joint pain — especially hips, elbows and stifles.

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Hip dysplasia

Younger and older dogs with hip dysplasia who are not surgical candidates or have not responded fully to other management.

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Elbow dysplasia

Elbow conditions causing chronic lameness and reduced quality of life — often in larger breeds.

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Spinal conditions

Selected cases of intervertebral disc disease and other spinal conditions — discussed case by case.

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Not all patients are suitable

We will assess your pet's full history, imaging and clinical examination before recommending stem cell therapy. A consultation is the right starting point — we will be honest with you about whether this is likely to help.

The procedure

What happens — step by step

The process takes place over several weeks. Below is what to expect at each stage.

Initial consultation

A thorough consultation including physical examination and discussion of all available options, including alternative intra-articular treatments if appropriate.

Imaging and fat harvest

Under sedation, X-rays are taken of all potentially-affected areas. If necessary, joint fluid samples are obtained for examination in-house. This helps us decide suitability, and confirms how many sites require the stem cell implants. A small amount of fat is surgically harvested, typically from just behind the shoulder, and blood is taken. These are couriered to The Veterinary Tissue Bank. Your pet goes home later that afternoon.

Stem cell growth

The Veterinary Tissue Bank culture the stem cells, storing some for future use.

Implantation (approx. 3 weeks after harvest)

Under sedation, the stem cells are injected into the affected joints. Your pet goes home the same day — we ask you to restrict their exercise for 2–3 days.

Rehabilitation

Our vets will prescribe a rehabilitation programme with the support of our animal physiotherapists, including LASER therapy and hydrotherapy, to help your pet fully recover.

Emerging applications

Research into stem cell therapy
is evolving rapidly

Emerging evidence suggests potential applications beyond orthopaedics — including conditions such as IBD and feline stomatitis. If your pet has a condition not listed here, get in touch and we will let you know whether stem cell therapy may be relevant.

Call us to discuss

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Oakley is a 10 year old Golden Retriever with arthritis and spondylosis. The combination of stem cell therapy, acupuncture and hydrotherapy has kept him active and comfortable in a way we never thought possible at his age. He is genuinely happy.

Oakley's family · Pet Wellness Plan members

Could stem cell therapy
help your pet?

The best starting point is a consultation with one of our vets. We will assess your pet honestly and tell you whether this is likely to make a meaningful difference.

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