Mesenchymal stem cell infusion for the treatment of neurological sequelae of canine distemper virus: A clinical study

Abstract

We investigated the effects of an allogenic infusion of mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue for treatment of dogs with neurological sequelae secondary to infection with canine distemper virus. Seven dogs were selected, all of which presented positive PCR for canine distemper and later, after clinical treatment, presented negative PCR but retained at least one post-infection neurological signal. Cell therapy was performed on days 1, 15, and 30; blood samples were taken on days 1 and 30for a hemogram, and the animals were evaluated on days 1, 15, 30, 45, and 180 for walking characteristics, urinary or fecal incontinence, state of consciousness, myoclonus, and occurrence of seizures. A descriptive numerical scale was established for scoring and classifying the various parameters that were evaluated. All the animals demonstrated post-therapy clinical neurological improvement, especially for the parameters walking and urinary and fecal incontinence; this improvement was significant throughout the evaluation period. Allogenic infusion of mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue in dogs with neurological sequelae secondary to infection by the canine distemper virus proved to be an efficient treatment.