The aim of this pilot study was to assess whether a single mesenchymal stem cell intra-articular injection in the osteoarthritic joint gives a therapeutic effect. This trial study was made in order to better manage and structure further study on more dogs. Single injections of 3 million mesenchymal stem cell intra-articular injections were made bilaterally in the osteoarthritic elbow joints. The dog was examined before and after monthly stem cell therapy using stance analyser scales to determine the static weight of each limb. Weight balance between forelegs improved, but not significantly (p is greater than 0.05). A radiographic examination was made for both elbow joints before stem cell therapy and the second and fifth month thereafter. Calculations of sub-trochlear sclerosis in percentage were made using mediolateral projections. Sub-trochlear sclerosis in percentage significantly decreased (p is less than 0.05) after stem cell therapy in both legs.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous concentrated cocktail of growth factors and inflammatory mediators, and has been considered to be potentially effective for cartilage repair. Animal clinical studies suggest that PRP is a promising treatment for cartilage injuries and relieving symptoms due to its three biological properties: an anabolic effect, enhancement of cartilage regeneration and inhibition of inflammation. The aim of this article is to analyse the available evidence on the clinical application of this biological approach to animals for the injective treatment of cartilage lesions and joint degeneration, and also to support the rationale for the use of platelet concentrates and to give indications on what to expect from intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in animals. This article is a summary of analytical research papers about the use of platelet-rich plasma as a treatment for the osteoarthritis. The intra-articular injections do not just target cartilage; instead, platelet-rich plasma might influence the entire joint environment, leading to clinical improvement. Many biological variables might influence the clinical outcome and have to be studied to optimize PRP injective treatment of cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis.