Veterinary researchers are pioneering regenerative therapies that may transform how dogs recover from injuries, arthritis, and other long-term health problems. Instead of relying solely on drugs to control pain, these treatments use the animals’ own cells to repair and rebuild damaged tissue.

Known as regenerative medicine, this emerging field taps into the body’s natural healing systems. Techniques such as stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma are showing potential to restore function rather than just relieve symptoms.

Stem cells—adaptable cells found throughout the body—are proving particularly valuable. A small sample of fat can be collected from a dog, processed in a lab to extract the stem cells, and then reinjected into areas such as injured joints, ligaments, or tendons. Once delivered, these cells reduce inflammation, release healing proteins, and encourage the growth of healthy tissue.

Researchers are also working to refine these therapies. At the University of Wollongong in Australia, Dr. Ronald Sluyter and his team, collaborating with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, are investigating how two enzymes, CD73 and CD39, contribute to joint inflammation. By using antibodies to block these enzymes, they hope to limit arthritis-related damage and improve recovery outcomes.

Early studies are promising. Dogs receiving stem cell treatments for osteoarthritis often show improved mobility and reduced pain. Ongoing clinical trials are testing whether the same approach can help with ligament injuries and even urinary incontinence, with encouraging long-term results.

Though much of the research is still underway, regenerative medicine could signal a major shift in veterinary care. Rather than simply easing discomfort, these therapies are designed to help dogs heal from within—offering them not just relief, but renewed quality of life.