Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease in dogs, causing pain and reduced mobility. Current treatment options focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the underlying cause. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising alternative by targeting the regeneration of damaged joint tissues. This thesis explores the use of stem cell therapy in treating osteoarthritis in dogs, investigating its efficacy, safety, and potential benefits. The introduction provides an overview of osteoarthritis in dogs, highlighting the limitations of current treatment options and the need for alternative therapies such as stem cell therapy. The background of the study delves into the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis and the mechanisms of action of stem cells in promoting tissue repair and regeneration. The problem statement emphasizes the gaps in existing research and the importance of exploring stem cell therapy as a novel approach to managing osteoarthritis in dogs. The objectives of the study aim to evaluate the effectiveness of stem cell therapy in alleviating symptoms, improving joint function, and enhancing the quality of life in dogs with osteoarthritis. The limitations of the study are discussed, including potential challenges in sample size, follow-up duration, and variability in treatment response among individual dogs. The scope of the study outlines the specific parameters and criteria for selecting canine participants and assessing treatment outcomes. The significance of the study lies in its potential to advance veterinary medicine by providing valuable insights into the application of stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis in dogs. The structure of the thesis highlights the organization of chapters, from the literature review to the research methodology, discussion of findings, and conclusion. Definitions of key terms related to osteoarthritis, stem cell therapy, and canine physiology are provided to enhance understanding throughout the thesis. The literature review encompasses ten key studies and research articles that investigate the use of stem cell therapy in treating osteoarthritis in dogs. These sources provide insights into the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of stem cell treatment, as well as comparisons with conventional therapies. The research methodology details the study design, participant selection criteria, treatment protocol, outcome measures, and statistical analysis methods employed in evaluating the effects of stem cell therapy on dogs with osteoarthritis. The discussion of findings presents a comprehensive analysis of the results, including improvements in lameness scores, joint mobility, and histological changes in joint tissues following stem cell therapy. Factors influencing treatment response, such as age, breed, and disease severity, are explored to enhance clinical decision-making. The conclusion summarizes the key findings, implications for veterinary practice, and recommendations for future research in advancing the use of stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis in dogs. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis in dogs, highlighting its potential as a safe and effective treatment option. By addressing the limitations of current therapies and exploring innovative approaches, this research aims to improve the quality of life for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis and pave the way for further advancements in veterinary regenerative medicine.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Exploring the Use of Stem Cell Therapy in Treating Osteoarthritis in Dogs" aims to investigate the potential benefits and efficacy of utilizing stem cell therapy as a treatment option for osteoarthritis in dogs. Osteoarthritis is a common and debilitating condition in dogs, characterized by progressive degeneration of joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Traditional treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs often focus on pain management and anti-inflammatory medications, which may provide temporary relief but do not address the underlying cause of the disease. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising alternative approach that aims to promote tissue regeneration and repair by harnessing the regenerative potential of stem cells. Stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate into various cell types, including cartilage cells, which can potentially aid in repairing damaged joint tissues in dogs with osteoarthritis. By exploring the use of stem cell therapy in treating osteoarthritis in dogs, this research seeks to evaluate the therapeutic potential of this innovative treatment modality and assess its effectiveness in improving clinical outcomes and quality of life for affected animals. The research will involve a comprehensive literature review to examine existing studies and clinical trials that have investigated the use of stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis in veterinary medicine. By synthesizing and analyzing the available evidence, the project aims to identify the current state of knowledge, gaps in research, and potential challenges associated with implementing stem cell therapy in clinical practice for treating osteoarthritis in dogs. Furthermore, the project will outline a detailed research methodology that includes the selection and recruitment of canine participants, stem cell isolation and preparation procedures, treatment protocols, outcome measures, and data analysis techniques. The research methodology will be designed to ensure scientific rigor, ethical considerations, and compliance with regulatory guidelines governing the use of stem cell therapy in veterinary medicine. The findings of the study will be presented and discussed in chapter four of the thesis, providing a critical analysis of the efficacy, safety, and long-term benefits of stem cell therapy in treating osteoarthritis in dogs. The discussion will also address any limitations of the study, potential confounding factors, and areas for future research to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying stem cell therapy and optimize treatment outcomes for canine patients with osteoarthritis. In conclusion, the project "Exploring the Use of Stem Cell Therapy in Treating Osteoarthritis in Dogs" aims to contribute valuable insights to the field of veterinary medicine by investigating a novel therapeutic approach that has the potential to revolutionize the management of osteoarthritis in dogs. By elucidating the benefits and challenges of utilizing stem cell therapy for this debilitating condition, this research seeks to advance our knowledge of regenerative medicine and improve the quality of care for companion animals suffering from osteoarthritis."