Updates on the use of stem cells for the treatment of neurological sequelae resulting from canine distemper

Abstract

Distemper is an infectious disease that affects animals of the Carnivorous order, with the dog being the main reservoir of the disease. Canine Distemper Virus (CVD) causes a disease of high morbidity and mortality, which can affect dogs of any age, breed or sex. When an individual's immune response is insufficient, the virus can persist for years in tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS). The main injury resulting from this infection in the CNS is demyelination and, therefore, even after the patient recovers from the acute episode of the disease, the patient may remain with compulsive clinical signs. Several techniques are currently being studied to improve the quality of life of animals affected with this infection, and one of the highlighted techniques is the use of stem cells to treat the neurological sequelae of distemper, which acts through tissue repair. Therefore, the aim of this literature review is to compile the main findings on the use of stem cells in dogs with a history of distemper, its applicability and effectiveness, considering recent advances in knowledge about neuroregeneration.