Long term effect of intraarticular adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction and platelet-rich plasma in dogs with elbow joint disease

Abstract

Background Autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) with platelet rich plasma (PRP) may be used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs, but there is a lack of evidence regarding long time follow up after treatment. The aim of the current study was to examine long-term effects of a single intra-articular injection of SVF and PRP in dogs with confirmed elbow OA using orthopaedic lameness scoring and kinetic and kinematic gait analysis. For comparison of normal long-term variation of gait over time, a group of healthy control dogs (CD) was also evaluated. Study design: Prospective longitudinal clinical study of 19 client owned dogs with elbow OA (OAD) treated with SVF and PRP and 8 CD not receiving treatment. Orthopaedic examinations, goniometry and seven kinetic and kinematic variables were evaluated before and six- and 12-months following treatment with SVF and PRP in the OAD group and twice with six months interval in the CD group. Orthopaedic examination variables (lameness, pain, range of motion) were scored and conflated to one out of three grades (normal, mildly or moderate/severely affected). Results: The OAD had an increase in fore-hind peak force symmetry 12 months after treatment (p< 0.05), but no other objective variables changed over time. Orthopaedic scores improved at six month follow up (p<0.05). None of the investigated gait variables had changed at six month follow up in the CD group. Conclusions: The current study did not show a clear benefit from SVF and PRP treatment in dogs with elbow OA.