CSU Researchers Using Stem Cell Therapy To Treat Kidney Disease In Cats

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) Researchers at Colorado State University are using stem cell therapy to treat kidney disease in cats. Theyre hoping to learn if stem cells can stop the progression of the disease.

Its the first feline stem cell program in the country which offers hope for the estimated 75 million pet cats in the U.S.

As cats age, a third or more develop chronic kidney disease. The studies underway at CSU may help both the cats and eventually their humans.

Squeakers (credit: CBS)

Squeakers is a domestic short hair, 15 years old, part Siamese and ill.

Shes actually just recently diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, said veterinarian Dr. Jessica Quimby.

There is no cure for feline kidney disease except a transplant, so Squeakers owner has entrusted her to the veterinarians at CSU.

Her kidneys are a little bit smallish and a little irregular, said Quimby.

For five years, Quimby and her colleagues have been running clinical trials on cats in the early stages of kidney disease. They inject them with stem cells harvested from the fat of healthy cats.

Weve seen variable results. Some kittens do get a little bit improvement in their kidney function, said Quimby. Right after we give the stem cells sometimes its just the same.

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CSU Researchers Using Stem Cell Therapy To Treat Kidney Disease In Cats