For Owners

Helping your pet live more comfortably

If your vet has suggested a referral, or you are worried about your pet's joints or mobility, this page explains what conditions we treat, how regenerative medicine works, and what you can expect.

Joint Conditions We Treat

We see patients with joint dysplasia — including hip and elbow dysplasia — osteoarthritis, and tendinopathies in dogs and cats. These are conditions where joints or tendons are affected by abnormal development, progressive wear, or injury, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. They are common in many breeds, particularly larger dogs, and tend to worsen over time without active management.

It is important to understand that conditions such as dysplasia and osteoarthritis cannot be cured. However, with the right management, many affected animals can live comfortably and actively for years. Our aim is not simply to reduce pain in the short term — it is to slow the progression of the disease and support the best possible quality of life over time.

Early intervention matters. Regenerative treatments are most effective when the underlying condition has not yet caused severe joint damage. If you have noticed early signs of stiffness, lameness, or a change in your pet's movement, we encourage you not to wait. Starting treatment sooner gives the best chance of slowing disease progression and maintaining long-term comfort.

We think of our role as managing the problem, not just masking the symptoms. Regenerative medicine allows us to work with your pet's own biology to support healing and slow the degenerative process.

What is Regenerative Medicine?

Regenerative medicine uses treatments derived from your pet's own body to support repair and reduce inflammation at the source of the problem. Unlike pain medication, which works by blocking the experience of pain, regenerative therapies aim to address the underlying tissue damage — helping the body to heal and slow the progression of disease.

At Regenerative Solutions we offer two main regenerative treatments: stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Both use material collected from your own pet, so the risk of adverse reaction is very low.

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cells are the body's own repair cells. A small sample of fat tissue is collected from your pet under a short general anaesthetic. Stem cells are then carefully grown in a laboratory until there are enough to make a difference — a process that ensures a consistent, high-quality treatment. These cells are then injected directly into the affected joint or tendon, where they release signals that reduce inflammation and help to support and repair the surrounding tissue.

This can lead to meaningful improvements in comfort and mobility, which in many cases last for 18 months to two years before a top-up treatment is needed. Because the cells can be stored frozen, future treatments can often be provided without the need for another fat sample.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP is prepared from a small blood sample taken from your pet. The blood is processed to concentrate the natural growth factors it contains, and this enriched preparation is injected into the affected area to reduce inflammation and encourage tissue repair. PRP can be used alone or in combination with stem cells.

What Long-Term Management Looks Like

Because conditions like dysplasia and osteoarthritis are ongoing, we work with you and your vet to create a long-term management plan. This may involve repeat treatments over time, alongside other support such as weight management, physiotherapy, and appropriate pain relief when needed. We will always explain the expected trajectory and keep your vet fully informed.

Signs to Watch For

If your pet shows any of the following, it is worth speaking to your vet sooner rather than later. Early assessment gives the best chance of the most effective treatment:

  • Stiffness when getting up, particularly after rest
  • Reluctance to walk, run, or play as normal
  • Difficulty rising, jumping, or climbing stairs
  • Lameness or an uneven gait
  • Swelling or warmth around a joint
  • Behavioural changes — becoming quieter, less sociable, or irritable

You do not need to wait until your pet's symptoms are severe. Earlier referral often means better outcomes. Ask your vet about referring your pet to us at any time.

Where we see patients

We visit practices across the UK peripatetically, so your pet may not need to travel far. We also have access to outpatient CT for cases requiring advanced imaging.

Dogs & cats

We treat both dogs and cats. Joint disease and tendinopathies affect cats as well as dogs, and regenerative medicine can offer meaningful benefits for feline patients too.

Day procedures

Both stem cell and PRP treatments are carried out as day cases. Your pet will typically be home and comfortable the same day.

Commonly affected breeds

Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog, Border Collie, and French Bulldog — though dysplasia and joint disease can affect any breed or species.