One topic we have not covered is wound healing. Chronic wounds can be a major problem for pets and present many challenges for veterinarians. Some wounds require significant ongoing medical care which can be both stressful and expensive for pet owners.

Stem Cell Therapy for Wound Healing

Stem cells have many potential uses. Veterinarians primarily use VetStem Cell Therapy to treat orthopedic conditions as well as some internal medicine conditions. Stem cells have shown the ability to reduce inflammation and pain and to lead to tissue regeneration. Adipose-derived stem cells can differentiate into multiple tissue types, including skin. Stem cells also release growth factors and cytokines, which the body uses to promote healing.

There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating the potential efficacy of stem cell therapy for wound healing. That being said, there is still significant research to be done before any claims of definitive treatment can be made. While the research continues, some veterinarians (and human physicians) are using stem cell therapy experimentally to help with wound healing.

Jaguar Receives Stem Cell Therapy for Severe Burns

In September, a story came out about a jaguar who was severely burned in a wildfire in Brazil. Amanaci, whose name means “goddess of the waters”, was found in an abandoned hen house amidst the fires in the Pantanal wetlands. She had third-degree burns on all four paws and on her belly. Her mammary glands were swollen with milk, indicating she recently had cubs. Veterinarians speculated that Amanaci spent considerable time trying to protect and save her cubs, which is why she was burned so badly. Unfortunately, no cubs were found.

Amanaci was transported to the NEX Institute where veterinarian, Daniela Gianni and several others took over her care. Dr. Gianni, who has previous experience using stem cell therapy in large cats, treated Amanaci’s wounds with multiple rounds of stem cell treatments along with other therapies due to the severity of her condition. And though her treatment is progressing well, it is believed she is not capable of surviving in the wild at this point. Amanaci will likely continue living at the institute along with 23 other jaguars. To read more about Amanaci’s story, click here. Or click here to watch a brief video.