Treatment of Indolent Ulcer with cultured canine mesenchymal stem cells: Research Article

Jonathan RT Lakey; Wenyi Guo; Michael Alexander; David Whaley; Andrea Pellegrino; Matthew Sobolewski; Carolina Blüguermann; Adrian A Mutto; Todd Scott

doi:10.58372/2835-6276.1226

Authors

Jonathan RT Lakey
Wenyi Guo
Michael Alexander
David Whaley
Andrea Pellegrino
Matthew Sobolewski
Carolina Blüguermann
Adrian A Mutto
Todd Scott

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58372/2835-6276.1226

Keywords:

Dog, Stem cell, Indolent, ulcers, companion pet

Abstract

Background: Indolent ulcers are noninfectious epithelial defects of the cornea, typically presenting as chronic, superficial lesions. These ulcers are most commonly observed in dogs and are the leading cause of ophthalmic consultation in the UVS Ophthalmology service. These ulcers, which are more common in older dogs, often have difficulty healing naturally. Underlying eye conditions and infections can further hinder the healing process, potentially causing vision impairment and eventually removal of the eye. In this manuscript, we present the success of using mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in a preliminary pilot trial to treat indolent ulcers.

Methods: Companion animals with indolent eye ulcers that did not respond to traditional treatment protocols were treated with suspended canine bone marrow-derived MSCs (5 x 10⁵ cells total) administered via an eyedropper and then monitored for a period of 2-3 hours post infusion before being released back to their owners. Dogs had a follow up visit after 48-72 hours by the veterinary team.

Results: Of the 12 adult canine pets with indolent ulcers, MSC treatment led to recovery of the ulcers within 5-6 weeks after administration.

Conclusions: This pilot trial showed the promise of the use of topical canine MSC for dogs with indolent ulcers. In the near future we are planning to conduct a randomized prospective trial. We consider the use of expanded stem cells to treat indolent ulcers represent a novel and potentially effective approach and it is our intention to further expand the use of MSCs in the indication of ocular indolent ulcers.

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