ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this case series was to collect preliminary data on safety and efficacy of treating cats suffering from refractory feline chronic gingivostomatitis with a single intravenous therapy of cryopreserved placenta-derived mesenchymal stromal cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We planned the prospective inclusion of cats suffering from refractory chronic gingivostomatitis in three veterinary clinics. All cats received a single infusion of 10×106 cryopreserved cells. Follow-up evaluations were done at day 15 and at 2-, 3- and 6-months following infusion. Clinical disease severity was evaluated by dental specialists using a published stomatitis disease activity index scoring system coupled with an owners' assessment questionnaire. RESULTS: All eight cats attended all follow up visits. Cryopreserved ready-to-use placenta-derived cells administered systemically were safe and resulted in notable clinical improvement in all cats as reported by stomatitis disease activity index scoring and owner's survey. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Infusion of cryopreserved freshly thawed placenta-derived mesenchymal stromal cells appears to promote clinical and consequently behavioural benefits in cats with refractory chronic gingivostomatitis after having undergone full-mouth or premolar-molar tooth extraction. Future randomised studies are required to confirm safety and efficacy of this treatment.
