The effect of intra articular application of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells on the clinical complaints in two cats with osteochondrodysplasia

Osteochondrodysplasia is a degenerative joint condition caused by a TRPV4 gene mutation, predominantly affecting Scottish Fold cats. This study evaluated the effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in two Scottish Fold cats diagnosed with osteochondrodysplasia. Case 1 involved a 3-year-old cat with a one-month history of lameness and joint degeneration, while Case 2 featured a 4-year-old cat with a five-month history of similar symptoms. MSCs were isolated, characterized at passage 3, and administered intra-articularly at a dose of 1 × 10^6 cells/kg body weight. Both cats demonstrated significant clinical improvement, including resolution of lameness and increased mobility, despite persistent radiographic abnormalities. These findings suggest that MSC therapy may effectively alleviate clinical symptoms of osteochondrodysplasia. Further research is needed to explore its long-term efficacy and correlation with imaging outcomes.