Improvement of systemic lupus erythematosus in dogs with canine adipose-derived stem cells

A 6-year-old, intact female, Maltese presented with limited movement of the hind limbs and intermittent pruritus for three months. The patient was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. Conventional immunosuppressive therapy was attempted for 70 days; however, the patient still suffered from life-threatening pancreatitis and hepatopathy. Therefore, we tried canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for immunomodulation and liver protection. After 6-months of the stem cell therapy, the patient's walking and hepatopathy improved. These findings indicate that stem cell therapy may be another option for systemic lupus erythematosus in dogs.