Please call us at any time if you have questions about AVS or if you are concerned about your pet.
During regular business hours an assistant may be able to answer your questions. If you need the advice of a specialist, a doctor will receive your message and will return your call as soon as possible.
Phone calls received after hours on weekdays and on the weekend will be returned the following business day.
Clinical Insights
Stem Cell Trial for Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis
Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis FCGS is a frustrating disease that causes severe chronic pain in affected cats. Vet-Stem (www.vet-stem.com) is now evaluating the effect of these cells in a new developmental program for FCGS.
Since 2003 adipose derived stem and regenerative cells (ASCs) have been used in more that 3000 animals to treat osteoarthritis, tendon and ligament injuries and other orthopedic conditions with excellent therapeutic efficacy. (Black et al 2007) Because ASC’s are immunomodulatory agents (Yanez 2006; Hoogduijn 2007) and generate cytokines (Kilroy 2007) their mechanism of action may be beneficial in cases of FGCS.
Affiliated Veterinary Specialists will be participating in this developmental program and accepting referral cases as outlined here:
Enrollment Criteria:
- 6 months to 14 years of age
- Minimum of 4 pounds
- Globulin level abnormal
- Documented minimum 8 week history of FCGS
- FeLV and FIV negative
- No malignant neoplasia or any systemic disease that would confound interpretation of treatment effects
- Current and consistent medical therapy and diet
Monitoring Agreement:
- Examinations: Pre-Treatment and at days 30, 60 and 90 at AVS
- Medication log throughout the trial period by owners
- Owner evaluation forms filled out and faxed at the time of each examination by AVS
Vet-Stem will process the collected adipose tissue at no charge (normally $1150) however the pet owner will be responsible for the fees associated with the FedEx Priority Overnight shipping of the patient’s cells in addition to all charges incurred at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists associated with harvesting adipose tissue and administering the processed stem cells. Please call 941-637-6006 for individual case consultations. Stem cells for LPGS will be the featured topic at the August 20 evening lecture at AVS. Their use in the management of chronic osteoarthritis will also be discussed.
Sincerely,
Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM
