New options for arthritic agility dogs...

Agility dogs are remarkable athletes. They accelerate, turn, jump, weave, land and rebalance in fractions of a second. Their joints, tendons, muscles and nervous system work together with extraordinary precision. But, just like human athletes, they can develop wear, tear, inflammation and injury over time. One of the most common problems we see in active and agility dogs is osteoarthritis. In the first of several articles written exclusively for Agilitynet, Dr. Stewart Halperin, founder and clinical director of Stem Cell Vet, explains how stem cell therapy has transformed the way we can treat arthritis in dogs to improve their quality of life and extend their agility career.

Osteoarthritis can affect the elbows, hips, shoulders, stifles, hocks, wrists or spine. Sometimes the signs are obvious - lameness, stiffness, slowing down, knocking poles, refusing jumps, or struggling with tight turns. But often the early signs are subtle. A dog may simply become less enthusiastic, take longer to warm up, lose confidence on the course or seem 'not quite right.'

For many years, arthritis management relied mainly on rest, pain relief, anti-inflammatory medication, weight control and physiotherapy. These are still important. However, regenerative medicine now gives us additional options that aim to support the joint environment more directly.

Two of the most commonly discussed regenerative therapies are PRP and stem cell therapy.

• PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It is produced from a sample of the dog’s own blood. The platelets are concentrated and then injected into affected joints or soft tissues. Platelets contain growth factors and signalling molecules that can help modulate inflammation and support tissue repair processes. In arthritic joints, PRP may help improve comfort and mobility, particularly when used as part of a wider treatment plan.
   

• Stem cell therapy uses regenerative cells usually obtained from the dog’s own fat tissue. These cells are processed and later implanted into the affected joints. Stem cells appear to work largely by sending out anti-inflammatory and repair-supporting signals, rather than simply 'becoming new cartilage.' This is an important distinction. The aim is not to promise regrowth of a perfect joint, but to improve the biological environment inside the joint.

Treatment
At Stem Cell Vet, treatment often involves a careful assessment first: gait evaluation, orthopaedic examination, review of history, and sometimes diagnostic imaging. This matters because an agility dog with 'arthritis' may also have elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, cruciate disease, shoulder instability, tendon problems, spinal pain or compensatory muscle issues. The better we understand the whole dog, the better we can design the treatment plan.

Regenerative treatment may also be combined with other joint-supporting therapies, such as hyaluronic acid, polyacrylamide hydrogel, or other intra-articular options, depending on the individual case. Rehabilitation, controlled strengthening, bodyweight management, nutrition, and sensible return-to-sport planning remain essential.

For agility dogs, the goal is not simply to 'get them back competing' as quickly as possible. The goal is to help them move comfortably, preserve long-term joint health, and make fair decisions about what level of activity is appropriate. Some dogs may return to agility. Others may need modified training, lower jump heights, fewer runs or a shift into lower-impact activities.

At Stem Cell Vet, our work focuses on treating dogs with arthritis and mobility problems using regenerative and intra-articular therapies. These treatments are not a magic cure and they cannot turn an arthritic joint back into a brand-new one. But they may help reduce inflammation, improve comfort, support joint function and, in many cases, help dogs regain a better quality of movement.

Here's the most important message
 Slowing down is not always just ageing, and reluctance is not always behavioural. Pain can be quiet. If your agility dog is showing changes in performance, enthusiasm or movement, it is worth investigating early.

Regenerative medicine offers exciting new options for arthritic agility dogs, especially when used responsibly as part of a complete, evidence-informed mobility plan. For many dogs, it can be another way to help them stay comfortable, active and enjoying the life they love.

Author credit...
Dr Stewart Halperin BVMS MRCVS is a veterinary surgeon and the founder of Stem Cell Vet, an expert veterinary service dedicated to helping dogs with arthritis, joint pain and mobility problems. Stem Cell Vet sees dogs from all over the UK who need help with arthritis, mobility and joint issues.

His interest in canine arthritis began in a deeply personal way after losing his first dog, Benji, to hip arthritis, after being told by specialist vets that nothing more could be done, an experience that shaped his determination to find better ways to help dogs stay comfortable, active and enjoying life for as long as possible.

Through Stem Cell Vet, Stewart and his team focus on advanced arthritis care, using a unique multimodal approach, including regenerative therapies such as stem cell treatment, PRP, joint fluid replacement and tailored mobility support. Stem Cell Vet has helped over 1,700 dogs across the UK with osteoarthritis and joint-related lameness, with the sole emphasis on improving comfort, movement and quality of life.

He has published three double blind peer reviewed studies on the use of stem cell therapy in canine arthritis which can be found here .

Stewart is passionate about helping owners understand that stiffness, slowing down and reduced mobility are not always 'just old age.' Even when owners have been told there is nothing more that can be done, his view is that there is usually something more that Stem Cell Vet can do to relieve pain, improve mobility and help our dogs enjoy a better quality of life.

 For more information go to the Stem Cell Vet website or email.

First published 22nd July 2026

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