Otis the Labrador: A Service Dog’s Journey Back to Mobility Through Stem Cell Innovation

Otis isn’t just a Labrador retriever—he’s a working companion with a mission. As a service dog with Service Dogs UK, Otis provided vital emotional support to his handler, helping to manage PTSD through calm presence and gentle intervention. But in mid-2024, Otis began showing signs of lameness, threatening his ability to continue his important role.

A Diagnosis That Could Have Changed Everything
Otis was referred to Davies Veterinary Specialists after his handler noticed stiffness and difficulty rising. A CT scan confirmed bilateral elbow dysplasia, a developmental condition that can cause osteoarthritis and hence chronic joint pain and mobility issues. For a young dog with a job that depends on reliability and movement, this diagnosis was a serious concern.

Traditional therapy relies on anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs that help function but do not impact the underlying disease process.

Stem Cell Therapy: A Regenerative Solution
Otis’s veterinary team recommended autologous stem cell therapy—a cutting-edge treatment that uses the dog’s own stem cells to reduce inflammation and promote healing within the joints.
The stem cells were processed by Cell Therapy Sciences, a UK-based leader in regenerative veterinary medicine. In a remarkable gesture of support, the company provided the cell processing free of charge, and their CEO personally attended Otis’s re-injection procedure.
This therapy represents a new frontier in veterinary care, offering hope to dogs with degenerative joint conditions—especially those whose roles in society are as meaningful as Otis’s.

A Team Effort
Otis’s care involved a multidisciplinary team including:
* Orthopaedics
* Anaesthesia and Pain Management
* Physiotherapy
* Nursing
Together, they crafted a personalised plan that included stem cell therapy, weight management, tailored physiotherapy, and ongoing monitoring.

Back on His Paws
Just six weeks after treatment, Otis was:
* No longer lame at trot
* Free from stiffness after rest
* Off all pain medication
* More enthusiastic and active
He’s now back to fulfilling his role as a service dog—intervening gently when needed, offering comfort, and being a steady presence for his handler.

Looking Ahead
Otis may benefit from repeat stem cell treatments, but his initial response has been outstanding. His team continues to support his long-term health with a focus on maintaining a lean body condition and joint-friendly lifestyle.

Otis’s Story: A Testament to Innovation and Compassion
Otis’s journey is a powerful example of how veterinary innovation and compassionate care can transform lives—not just for animals, but for the people they serve. Thanks to early intervention and a pioneering treatment, Otis is back where he belongs: by his handler’s side.

Interested in learning more about stem cell therapy or referring a case?
Contact our team or email [email protected].