Exploring the Use of Stem Cell Therapy in the Treatment of Canine Osteoarthritis

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint disease in dogs that can significantly impact their quality of life. Traditional treatments for canine osteoarthritis often provide only symptomatic relief and do not address the underlying causes of the disease. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising alternative approach for treating osteoarthritis by targeting the regeneration of damaged joint tissues. This thesis aims to explore the use of stem cell therapy in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis, focusing on its efficacy, safety, and potential mechanisms of action. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, including the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of terms related to stem cell therapy and osteoarthritis in dogs. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review encompassing ten key topics related to osteoarthritis pathophysiology, current treatment modalities, mechanisms of action of stem cells, previous studies on stem cell therapy in veterinary medicine, and the challenges and future directions of stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in this study, including the selection of study subjects, stem cell isolation and characterization protocols, treatment procedures, outcome measures, data analysis methods, and ethical considerations. This chapter also discusses the experimental design and rationale behind the chosen methodologies to investigate the effectiveness of stem cell therapy in treating canine osteoarthritis. In Chapter Four, the findings of the study are presented and discussed in detail, highlighting the outcomes of stem cell therapy on clinical symptoms, joint function, histological changes, inflammatory markers, and adverse events in canine osteoarthritis models. The results are analyzed in the context of existing literature and provide insights into the potential benefits and limitations of stem cell therapy for managing osteoarthritis in dogs. Finally, Chapter Five summarizes the key findings of the study, discusses their implications for veterinary practice, and offers recommendations for future research directions. The conclusion reflects on the overall effectiveness of stem cell therapy in treating canine osteoarthritis and its potential to revolutionize the management of this debilitating condition in companion animals. This thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on regenerative medicine in veterinary orthopedics and underscores the importance of further exploration of stem cell-based therapies for improving the well-being of dogs affected by osteoarthritis.