Osteoarthritis Across the Lifespan: Recognize Earlier, Age Better
Understand the biology of osteoarthritis and how early treatment with pain optimization and stem cell therapy can help preserve a patient's quality of life.
About the Course
This session examines how the understanding of osteoarthritis (OA) has evolved—from a mechanical condition to a complex disease involving immune dysregulation and synovial inflammation. It explores how earlier recognition and treatment may help modify the disease environment across the lifespan, with particular attention to the potential of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy to modulate inflammation and support tissue health.
This program has been RACE approved (20-1405927) for 1 hour of continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians/technologists in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval.
Learning objectives
- Explain how the current understanding of osteoarthritis extends beyond mechanical degeneration to include inflammatory biological processes.
- Discuss how immune dysfunction and synovial inflammation contribute to the initiation and progression of OA.
- Describe the relationship between aging and musculoskeletal disease, including inflammaging, mitochondrial dysfunction, stem cell exhaustion, and tissue senescence.
- Explain key mechanisms through which MSC therapy may influence osteoarthritis, including immunomodulatory, anti-senescent, pro-angiogenic, and tissue-supportive effects.
- Discuss how regenerative medicine strategies may be incorporated into patient care across different life stages, from early inflammatory disease in younger patients to age-associated changes in senior animals.
Related reading
- Canine Osteoarthritis Educational Series 2: Developmental Osteoarthritis Starts Earlier Than You Think
- Canine Osteoarthritis Educational Series Part 1: What Causes Osteoarthritis?
- Feline Osteoarthritis Series Part 1: What Causes Osteoarthritis?
- Feline Osteoarthritis Series Part 2: Diagnosing Osteoarthritis in the Cat
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About the presenter
Lindsey Fry
Dr. Lindsey Fry, DVM, DACVSMR (Canine), CCRP, CVPP, is a board-certified specialist in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation in private practice in northern Colorado. Her clinical interests include early identification and management of mobility changes, osteoarthritis, pain medicine, rehabilitation, and the use of regenerative and emerging therapies to support lifelong function.
Dr. Fry is an international lecturer and educator with a passion for translating evolving science and technology into practical, individualized strategies for veterinary patients.
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Canine Osteoarthritis: Current Concepts and Advances in Treatment
Review diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and the potential of stem cell therapy for the management of osteoarthritis in dogs.
Current Evidence for Regenerative Medicine in Canine and Feline Osteoarthritis
Discover the biology and immunology of osteoarthritis and gain practical guidance on using regenerative medicine for early intervention.
Stem Cell Applications in Veterinary Medicine
Discover how stem cell therapy is being applied across a range of chronic and immune-mediated conditions in cats and dogs.
