Regenerative medicine is a quickly growing field being used in veterinary practices throughout the United States. As veterinarians, we understand that many procedures that we do come with associated risks.

These risks can be through the infection of an incision, damage caused by surgery, or just the stressful nature of the operation. If we can avoid having to perform surgery, we often will, as long as we are sure that your pet is receiving the best care they can. That is why regenerative medicine is an exciting field that we are pleased to offer our clients.

What is Regenerative Medicine?

This branch of medicine helps to boost the body’s ability to fight off and heal damage on its own. This means that there is less risk to your animal, and they do not have an additional incision to heal from. There are two basic types of regenerative medicine that are used: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cells.

Platelet Rich Plasma – platelet-rich plasma is introduced into your pet and contains a number of different factors that help your animal heal and recover from an injury. There are specific growth factors that are held in this plasma. When they come in contact with damaged tissue, they become activated and help to promote new vessel formation and help to promote the rebuilding of the cells and cellular matrix to restore the damaged tissue.

Stem Cells – Stem cells are a specific type of cell that has not yet been differentiated into which type of tissue it will grow into. This means that stem cells are so adaptable that they can form brain tissue, heart, muscle, or even skin tissue. Stem cell therapy can be used for a variety of reasons, but it has a few specific roles.

• Trigger other stem cells to begin reacting

• Stimulate blood supply

• Help to heal scar tissue

• Starts and speeds up tissue growth and repair

• Moderates inflammatory pathways and decreases swelling

When to Use Regenerative Medicines

Fortunately, there are a number of different conditions that can be aided or treated with the use of regenerative medicine. These include:

• Open cuts or wounds

• Burns

• Tendon or ligament issues

• Arthritis

• Some spinal concerns
  
  

The professional staff at Lone Oak Animal Clinic are specially trained in regenerative medicine. If you have been told that your pet needs to have surgery, consider contacting us first. We may be able to help you avoid having to put your loved one through a potentially unnecessary surgery and help them rebuild their own bodies.

Misconceptions About Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine uses some groundbreaking but solid science to help your pet heal more quickly and with less pain than other methods. In addition, the ability to properly apply this treatment to real situations requires in-depth knowledge and understanding of the procedure and the science, a skill that not many practices have.

A simple lack of understanding or fear of the practice has led some people to have some unfounded fears about regenerative medicine.

When we first bring up this approach in our office, some people think that we are trying to simply grow new tissue and are concerned that things will not grow properly. While stem cells may involve the new growth of some tissue, the main focus of regenerative medicine is increasing the factors in your pet’s body that help them naturally recover themselves.

Overview

If you are looking for solutions to help your pet heal from a nagging or chronic injury, or if you are just looking for a second opinion, call Lone Oak Animal Clinic in Paducah, KY today to schedule an appointment. Our experienced and professional staff can show you the difference that we can make in your pet’s life today (270) 681-3100.